Polaroid: “You Had to Be There”

In the digital age, we increasingly live our lives through curated moments on social media. Polaroid is a symbol of an era when photos were souvenirs of a larger story that only those present could fully appreciate.

We want to help you capture the photos that make you say:

You had to be there.

OOH

THE CLOUD

Polaroid will create a monthly zine that captures and celebrates the "had to be there" feeling. Handcrafted stories featuring polaroid photos from our audience, recaps of phone-free parties, and a regular column covered by the Reality Star of the month.

In proper nostalgia fashion, zines can only be picked up at the local newspaper and magazine stands or received via snail mail.

REALITY STAR

We’re looking for the next reality star. No, not the kind that flips tables and throws drinks at people’s faces. We’re talking people who want to live life in reality instead of social media. Turn in your smartphone for a month in exchange for a special edition Polaroid I-2 camera and we’ll feature you in our Reality Star column in Polaroid’s zine, The Cloud.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARDS

Polaroid will revive authentic connection with community bulletin boards across major cities. Hosting a photography club? Looking for like-minded friends? Trying to find the one outside of the sterile dating-app culture? This is where it's happening. And yes, it does require leaving the couch to participate.