A new city can be daunting. Its pace, weather, people, and even your first interaction with it can become deal-breakers. Sometimes, you simply can get along with the place. Other times, you are determined to make it fond of you. It’s a long process, but when you peel the layers of discomfort, you may find some exceptional moments waiting around every nook and corner. Something similar happened with photographer Giovanni Mourin, whose recent move to New York City resulted in an evocative photo series. And his trusted companion in this adventure was Polaroid.
All images are by Giovanni Mourin, courtesy of Polaroid. Used with permission.
Polaroid And Giovanni Mourin In A Fast-Paced City
Originally from Miami, Mourin found New York’s summer the most beautiful season of the year. During his first stay in the city, the photographer encountered various challenges and rewards, which resulted in his series, My Summer Home.
With the help of Polaroid Now and Polaroid I-2 cameras, Mourin captured the vibrance of his new residence and its gritty realities. From subway rides to local bodegas, Mourin visited various places. However, despite the struggles, the young photographer highlights the importance of the journey rather than focusing on the destination. The color of the Polaroid film, for instance, works wonderfully in capturing the essence of New York and Mourin’s experiences. The hues of green, yellow, and purple almost make you nostalgic about the moment.
“New York City is full of places to visit, and you’re never going to see it all,” says the photographer. “You have to take the time to slow down and be present, which is why I also chose to shoot this series on Polaroid film. I’m able to truly showcase my surroundings by capturing these pinches in time through a medium that not only reflects what I see but also the environment I’m in.”
Mourin’s photographs have a snap-shot approach, which does not detract from the project. In fact, his quotes add to the scene the viewers witness.
Summer is a pain in the ass, but the weather allows us to
take the time to be kids again and find new ways to
explore and adventure.
How An Instant Camera Can Be An Excellent Choice
Through Mourin’s depiction, we learn that the choice of gear, sometimes, is of importance. Had he captured the images using a digital camera, the result may not have been as evocative as it is with a Polaroid. Before you come and argue about the “best gear,” it is not about how perfect your images look. Rather, Mourin showcases the significance of using the medium to flow in tandem with the unpredictability he witnessed in the city. Unlike a usual digital camera, a Polaroid showcases the exact frame of the color. Much of it is left to luck. And that’s simply how we navigate a new situation in our lives. We put our best foot forward until we reach where we are supposed to.
A device that authentically captures these moments and transforms them into tangible objects makes your journey even more memorable. Moreover, with the world turning to Instagram for instant digital gratification, the chances of individuals capturing images for their joy are declining. In the face of such challenges, a Polaorid could be liberating for some, as Mourin depicted with his series.
As our memories become hazy and fuzzy with time, a print is the best way to relive the moments. An Instagram grid can’t make you look at your life with excitement and nostalgia. But a Polaroid print is an heirloom that you can easily pass on or showcase after a rare family gathering.