Mr. Polaroid (American Experience: PBS) - July 2025

"Rarely do you take pictures of things you hate."

This is true in most cases. We are capturing so many beautiful moments, nowadays. Our children playing sports, a purple cocktail, a simple laugh, parents living their best lives in retirement, overhead shots of your favorite dishes. I am no photographer but my eyes are eagles. I see so many stories in the photos that you all are taking and it is refreshing that you are brave enough to share. 

There are disturbing photos for sure but let’s stay in the realm of positivity…for now!

Before the i-phone, folks were taking Polaroids for at least half a century. Edwin Land helped to create instant images 62 years before Instagram. Are you old enough to remember? The documentary “Mr. Polaroid” tells the story of a company whose innovative brand is still relevant today. From the chemistry behind photo development to the impact Polaroid had during Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement. Check out “Mr. Polaroid” (link below). It is available for free on PBS’s Youtube channel!

Although defunding public media has been put to a vote, we are not giving up on media that serves us. Do what you can to save PBS!

Mr. Polaroid (American Experience: PBS, 53:20)

National Treasure - LeVar Burton speaking on C-Span (1:50) in 1995 on the importance of PBS. “Children are exposed to their numbers and ABCs without someone trying to sell them something.”