As a photography fanatic and lover of the humble Polaroid, I knew The Polaroid Book by Barbara Hitchcock and Steve Crist would be a hit. Featuring over 300 pages of carefully selected Polaroid photographs from the Polaroid Collection archive, as well as an equally intriguing section featuring different models of Polaroid cameras, this is one book you’ll want to leave out on your coffee table.
In his brief introduction, Crist touches upon the fact that despite digital photography taking over the art form, Polaroids really were the original “instant photos,” creating much excitement for the user as they observed their picture developing in front of their very own eyes. From Polaroids of colorful artworks to stark nudes, striking portraits in black and white and sprawling landscapes, it seems as though no subject matter was left out when combing through the archives. As well as being a visual masterpiece, The Polaroid Book also serves as a publication to both motivate and inspire the reader. “After spending time with this book, my hope is that you, the reader, will be as inspired as I am to pick up a camera and create wondrous Polaroids of your own,” writes Crist. I’m sure I speak for many readers when I say “mission accomplished.” – Melanie Doncas