A year of living instantly - A Polaroid per day
John Haugaard
August 13, 2023 through August 12, 2024
I built this site by posting a Polaroid photograph taken each day. Rarely was it art and often it was mundane But it was daily challenge that was met. Polaroid film (and cameras) are be challenging. When Polaroid, itself, uses the tagline “For the Imperfectionists” on their site I expected (and had) a wild ride. Here are the results. 366 Polaroid images. My 70th Year.
August 12, 2024. The year ends as it began. The project complete. One of the photos taken each day posted here. Taken using finicky Polaroid cameras and film. 366 posted from the well-over-1,000 taken. The project, My 70th Year, did just what I hoped it would - I'm inspired to take more photographs.
August 11, 2024. Penultimate photo of the project. From a mural by Danae Antoine. @danae__antoine
August 10, 2024. Always a great day when this fellow comes to visit.
August 9, 2024. Disarmed. I found and photographed this statue on day 3 of the project. Hoping to finish the year with a better image. Maybe succeeded. She has a shadow!
August 8, 2024. During this project I included quite a few photographs of the derelict shopping mall near my home. One last project visit today. Mostly ruble. Progress.
August 7, 2024
August 6, 2024. A Father and Son Reunion.
August 5, 2024. Renegades.
August 4, 2024. Come sail away. In the distant sky above the building there were amazing towers of billowing white clouds. You'll have to take my word on this. (Thanks Polaroid, for the limited dynamic range of your film. 🫤)
August 3, 2024. Guard rail marketing.
August 2, 2024. I photographed a number of churches along the way on the project. (See August 1, e.g.) They are typically architecturally interesting. But here's a reminder that they come in all shapes and sizes.
August 1, 2024
July 31, 2024. Aire Libre. ✊
July 30, 2024
July 29, 2024. Engulfed.
July 28, 2024
July 27, 2024. In the studio. A great afternoon making images.
July 26, 2024
July 25. 2024.
July 24, 2024. A local legend. No, simply a Legend.
July 23, 2024
July 22, 2024. Desperado.
July 21, 2024
July 20, 2024
July 19, 2021. Empty sign, levitating (?)
July 18, 2024. No $5.99 Meal Deal today.
July 17, 2024
July 16, 2024. Black and white photo of the building also photographed on July 14, 2024.
July 15, 2024. One of the most photographed scenes this year, oddly, is a little self-service ice vending facility that I pass many times a week. (1/5, 1/8, 1/19 & 4/26). Drove by today - gone! Just posts and concrete blocks. So it goes.
July 14, 2024. The Blair. A beautiful building in my town.
July 13, 2024. Too hot. Yellow cast. Thanks Polaroid. I take the photos, hustle to the car, and hold them in front of the air conditioner vents (to no avail).
July 12, 2024. Boring day of appointments and parking garages.
July 11, 2024. Cups, cups, cups.
July 10, 2024. Hot lava flows across volcanic sand beach. Well, maybe not.
July 9, 2024. More local street art. Not sure what is going on here. Artists: Foxy Swine (An artist cooperative, I believe, and not one curiously named person.)
July 8, 2024. Two-toned Tow Away Zone.
July 7, 2024. Found this sign a couple months ago. Photographed it in black and white. Thought it might look good in color. Oh, well.
July 6, 2024
July 5, 2024. Some days I go out with a particular photo in mind. (See July 4 or July 6.) Other times, it is just a matter of keeping my eyes open. Walking home from the tire repair shop, rain had just stopped, the light was perfect.
July 4, 2024. “I believe that you heard your master sing When I was sick in bed I suppose that he told you everything That I keep locked away in my head” Wonderfully cryptic wall art found on a nearby pizza restaurant. Sincerely, L. Cohen. Art by Ashley Anderson; pressstarttobegin.net
July 3, 2024. Moody.
July 2, 2024
July 1, 2024
June 30, 2024. Cockpit view (exterior) of the Travco Two-Twenty. Cleared for takeoff.
June 29, 2024
June 28, 2024. Barbra says . . . ! From a mural by Wade Harrison, Corey Barksdale & Chad Watt.
June 27, 2024. Evening sun. 20 degrees cooler than yesterday. Film behaved better.
June 26, 2026. Blondie on a hot day. From a mural on the side of a record shop. Polaroid film does best at temperatures below 80 degrees. My "car"mometer told me it was about 20 degrees warmer than that. The prints tend toward yellow when too hot. (This is on black & white.) You can see this effect on June 24 - color film, beastly hot. From a mural by Wade Harrison, Corey Barksdale & Chad Watt.
June 25, 2024. Politically incorrect? Insensitive? Do the P.E. programs at the local elementary school need to be improved? Likely just useful information for the drivers on our quiet streets.
June 24, 2024. Over-bright colors in horizontal bands.
June 23, 2024. Went out with a different photo opportunity in mind. Spotted this along the way. Another happy accident.
June 22, 2024. Likely better in color. Had just loaded a new black and white pack, so gave it a go. Maybe back another day.
June 21, 2024. Sheddon.
June 20, 2024
June 19, 2024
June 18, 2024
June 17, 2024
June 16, 2024
June 15, 2024. Motors and more motors. Actually compressors for industrial cooling systems. I've driven by this business hundreds of times. Finally stopped for a photo (through the chain link fence) and looked them up. American Hermetics. What this photo shows is just a small fraction of the compressor motors stored there.
June 14, 2024. Perhaps the last shot by me of this abandoned shopping mall. I thought that when I went there today I would find rubble. But not yet. I was fenced out, though. Demolition day is June 26th. When this mall opened in 1965 it was the first fully-enclosed shopping mall in metro Atlanta.
June 13, 2024. Happy accident. Overexposed, but came out in an interesting way.
June 12, 2024. Upholding histories and narratives. Click the photo to find out more.
June 11, 2024. A better exposure than on the day before yesterday. He was worth another visit.
June 10, 2024. Generally well behaved.
June 9, 2024. I think he spotted me.
June 8, 2024. Dappled sunlight.
June 7, 2024. Okay, enough with the cats. Still could be better. From a mural by angelabondart.com. 300th day.
June 6, 2024. Color is definitely better. Scouting trip tells me that about 7:30 pm in the coming days will be best. From a mural by angelabondart.com.
June 5, 2024. When people cared enough to make an interesting water faucet handle.
June 4, 2024
June 3, 2024. Try harder to hold the camera straight.
June 2, 2024. Basket balls.
June 1, 2024. A memorial still. See August 18, 2023. Someone keeps new flags on this tomb of a young Marine Corps lieutenant who died for his country 53 years ago.
May 31, 2024. Cosmic cat. From a mural by angelabondart.com. Okay - these will be better in color. Heading back with a color film in the camera.
May 30, 2024
May 29, 2024
May 28, 2024
May 27, 2024
May 26, 2024. From a mural by angelabondart.com.
May 25, 2024. Still life. Shadows. Mask.
May 24, 2024
May 23, 2024
May 22, 2024
May 21, 2024
May 20, 2024
May 19, 2024. Convergence.
May 18, 2024
May 17, 2024. Horizontal bands and a few trees.
May 16, 2024
May 15, 2024
May 14, 2024. Plants galore. Alice in Wonderland exhibit. Atlanta Botanical Garden.
May 13, 2024. Strike. Trompe-l'œil of a sort.
May 11, 2024. I thought I could do a bit better. So back on another day with black and white film and a little better attention to composition.
May 11, 2024. Last shot in the Polaroid pack. Really just a grab shot. Liked it best of the eight Polaroids I took this day.
May 10, 2024
May 9, 2024. From a mural by Thomas Turner.
May 8, 2024
May 7, 2024. Turnin 'n' Burnin.
May 6, 2024
May 5, 2024. A classic Southern wall sign on the building of a landmark Atlanta tavern.
May 4, 2024. A beautiful, simple statue in Oakland Cemetery. Maybe you were expecting a Star Wars joke. I guess I'm not of that tribe.
May 3, 2024. I came upon a short, nearby street on which I counted more than a half-dozen churches. This tidy gray one, Zo Immanuel Church, Inc., appears to serve a number of Burmese (Myanma) congregants.
May 2, 2024. Curbside tableau.
May 1, 2024. Let's Eat Good Food. Yes.
April 30, 2024. From a mural by Thomas Turner.
April 29, 2024. Hummingbird metamorphosis. From a mural by Thomas Turner.
April 28, 2024. Quonset with style. See October 1 for a simpler look.
April 27, 2024. After a long day cleaning around the house, with light fading, I went back to a scene I know well. Different day, different light, different film.
April 26, 2024. This little ice building intrigues me, and I'm back for another try. Pretty good result today.
April 25, 2024. A little Run-DMC/Aerosmith for the senior citizen crowd.
April 24, 2024. Trapped!
April 23, 2024. Okay, I'll try.
April 22, 2024. Just a wild and crazy guy.
April 21, 2024. See no evil.
April 20, 2024
April 19, 2024. Morning in America. Exit 110, Lexington, Kentucky.
April 18, 2024. Spotted this sign about 200 days ago. Perfect for the 250th consecutive Polaroid post! 116 to go. (But, who's counting.)
April 17, 2024. Lines and . . .
April 16, 2024. . . . curves.
April 15, 2024
April 14, 2024. A couple photographing their flower-sunglass-wearing dog. (A sentence I've never had the opportunity to type before.)
April 13, 2024
April 12, 2024
April 11, 2024. Descriptive information about the mural seen in the following four images. Oddly, the posted description includes an error in the title, calling it Earthdeed whereas the correct title of the mural is Earthseed by artist Tim Short. It is well and correctly described on this website: https://bit.ly/3VSoDlS . Click on the image to go to the site.
April 10, 2024. Leftmost panel of large wall mural by Tim Short.
April 9, 2024. Third panel of large wall mural by Tim Short.
April 8, 2024. Basking in the post-eclipse sun. This fellow shows up again on February 27th. Different day, different look. Second panel of large wall mural by Tim Short.
April 7, 2024. Rightmost panel of large wall mural by Tim Short.
April 6, 2024
April 5, 2024. Finally, some relief.
April 4, 2024. More tall things and clouds. (Or if you're viewing in reverse order - Tall things and clouds.)
April 3, 2024. Tall thing and clouds.
April 2, 2024. Collection of triangles.
April 1, 2024. Almost silhouette.
March 31, 2024. Ten fingers, one hand (revisited) for a better exposure.
March 30, 2024. These guys stopped by. I am so glad we share a name and the love of goofing off a bit.
March 29, 2024. Visited again for different composition, different light, and in color.
March 28, 2024. Ten fingers, one hand.
March 27, 2024. Yup.
March 26, 2024. Mural on Leaven Kitchen - a collaborative shared kitchen focusing on baked goods. You can see what I saw, but can't smell the wondrous aroma of the baking going on inside. leavenkitchen.com
March 25, 2024
March 24, 2024
March 23, 2024. I drove by a business near my home that sells old millstones. Go figure. The photo doesn't help much with scale (the fence is a clue). While this may look like an amulet that dangles on a leather cord around the neck of a Renaissance Festival type, this stone is about 5 feet in diameter and a foot thick. They are stored outside the fence because the theft risk is pretty low. millstones.com
March 22, 2024
March 21, 2024. Its best days are in the rear view mirror.
March 20, 2024. Different day. Different light. Different hand. From a mural by Kashink.
March 19, 2024. From a mural by Kashink.
March 18, 2024. "E" From a mural by Margo Perkins.
March 17, 2024
March 16, 2024. All you need is more love. See August 20th. From a mural by Margo Perkins.
March 15, 2024. Whoops.
March 14, 2024
March 13, 2024. Because you are likely viewing these photos in reverse-chronological order you won't realize that this is probably the fourth time this broken sculpture/birdbath has appeared. First time in color. I'm intrigued by it, and it is difficult to photograph well on Polaroid film. But, I'm getting there.
March 12, 2024. One shoe off, . . . .
March 11, 2024. Wall art. Man-bear(?)
March 10, 2024. Most of these utility boxes in town show artwork - not graffiti. So planned, I guess.
March 9, 2024. Custom Cab; Picket Fence.
March 8, 2024. Street-side still life.
March 7, 2024. What a red truck looks like in black and white. See March 2.
March 6, 2024. Peek-a-bus.
March 5, 2024. Quite a ride. Comes equipped with front handles.
March 4, 2024. "Atlanta" Or so says the sign above the porch.
March 3, 2024
March 2, 2024
March 1, 2024. Arrows.
February 29, 2024. Bonus day.
February 28, 2024. 200th day! A mini tribute to the ATL. This is the 200th posting of a Polaroid image taken each day. Glad to have kept the string going. 166 more.
February 27, 2024. From a mural by Tim Short.
February 26, 2024
February 25, 2024
February 24, 2024
February 23, 2024. From a mural by Yehimi Cabrón.
February 22, 2024
February 21, 2024
February 20, 2024. Class picture.
February 19, 2024. If you figure out the symbolism, let me know. From a mural by Ever Siempre.
February 18, 2024. The sky says, "Spring, maybe?" The tree says, "Not so fast."
February 17, 2024. From a mural by Maremoto.
February 16, 2024
February 15, 2024
February 14, 2024. A local independent bookstore keeps this sidewalk display available 24/7. Pay on the honor system.
February 13, 2024. Nine of hearts.
February 12, 2024. Eight of clubs.
February 11, 2024. Well, this being the 183rd Polaroid, I'm half way through this leap year augmented one year project. Working like a "house-afire" to keep the pace.
February 10, 2024. Under construction. Unfortunately the photograph doesn't show the incredibly shiny foil covering. Awaiting siding.
February 9, 2024. Three wise men.
February 8, 2024. This camera belonged to Trish's great-grandfather, Jack.
February 7, 2024. Sort of a happy accident. The compressed range of Polaroid film makes sky exposures tough. I tried to adjust appropriately, but ended up overexposing. Interesting look, though.
February 6, 2024
February 5, 2024. Busy bees. Flour and eggs in. Cake out.
February 4, 2024
February 3, 2024. I'm pretty sure that this neighborhood library box is straight, but I'm a bit concerned that the house behind it is tipping over.
February 2, 2024. 119 fewer gas pumps than at the Buc-ees up the road.
February 1, 2024
January 31, 2024
January 30, 2024
January 29, 2024
January 28, 2024. From a mural by Maremoto.
January 27, 2024. Yes, something round again.
January 26, 2024. A mural by Maremoto.
January 25, 2024. Tough day for a photo. Every photo I took looked like it was taken through a mud puddle.
January 24, 2024. Reach out and touch somebody's hand, make this world a better place, if you can!
January 23, 2024
January 22, 2024
January 21, 2024. Decaying mall graffiti diptych - left.
January 20, 2024. Decaying mall graffiti diptych - right.
January 19, 2024. Yes, Twice the Ice - another view.
January 18, 2024. "Ladies and gentlemen, The Doors," said Ed Sullivan - only once.
January 17, 2024
January 16, 2024. Signs, signs, everywhere a sign.
January 15, 2024
January 14, 2024. Make me an angel that flies from Montgomery.
January 13, 2024. Cryptic. Creepy.
January 12, 2024
January 11, 2024
January 10, 2024. Thought I'd give this another go. A bigger challenge than I expected.
January 9, 2024. The merest sliver of sunlight on this very cloudy, windy, and rainy day. 150th consecutive Polaroid day, I think.
January 8, 2024. Tried to improve on the January 5 image - not so sure.
January 7, 2024. Well, this didn't turn out as planned, but a moderately happy accident.
January 6, 2024. Two special guys.
January 5, 2024
January 4, 2024. I'm drawn back to this house. Not certain that I've captured it to my satisfaction yet. Given its location, and its condition I don't expect it to be around for long.
January 3, 2024. My robot buddies, with some holiday lighting.
January 2, 2024
January 1, 2024. I made a photo of a wall poster at a local record store on December 28. When I got serious about the photo I noticed the amazing Dizzy Gillespie cut off at the bottom. Dizzy deserves a proper image. From a mural by Wade Harrison, Corey Barksdale & Chad Watt.
December 31, 2023
December 30, 2023
December 29, 2023
December 28, 2023. From a mural by Wade Harrison, Corey Barksdale & Chad Watt.
December 27, 2023. From a mural by Wade Harrison, Corey Barksdale & Chad Watt.
December 26, 2023. Splash of red.
December 25, 2023. Merry Christmas!
December 24, 2023
December 23, 2023. Despite the grimace, I'm typically a pretty happy looking guy. The photo I'm holding - see December 22, 2023.
December 22, 2023. Number one in my life.
December 21, 2023
December 20, 2023. Bird ghosts.
December 19, 2023
December 18, 2023. An unbroken window on the dying, mostly abandoned shopping mall.
December 17, 2023. Updated view of scenes shown on August 13, September 1, and September 13.
December 16, 2023. Receding.
December 15, 2023
December 14, 2023. An ancient Roman aqueduct? Nope.
December 13, 2023. A facade, soon to be gone.
December 12, 2023
December 11, 2023. Trying a double exposure.
December 10, 2023
December 9, 2023
December 8, 2023
December 7, 2023
December 6, 2023. Support your local police department. Year after year.
December 5, 2023
December 4, 2023
December 3, 2023. Taking a break.
December 2, 2023
December 1, 2023. Long may it wave.
November 30, 2023
November 29, 2023. Bands of color (and some really sub-par graffiti).
November 28, 2023. (Very) Still life with two small trees.
November 27, 2023. Any day now this nearly empty mall will be fenced off for demolition. So, a few more while I can.
November 26, 2023
November 25, 2023. Flying (and jet trails).
November 24, 2023. Pleasant looking fellow.
November 23, 2023. Happy Thanksgiving.
November 22, 2023
November 21, 2023. Yesterday, for the 100th post I searched high and low for an image of a "100". Today I got out of the car, walked 50 feet, and saw this.
November 20, 2023. A numbers day. Is this a tribute to Atlanta and MLB legend Hank Aaron? Nope, just an address. But, on the subject of numbers, today's is the 100th post. Yay! 266 to go.
November 19, 2023. Paint Love. A great idea. (Also, something round.)
November 18, 2023
November 17, 2023. You might think that with all the boarded up and derelict buildings I show that I live in a run down area. To the contrary. This is just a temporary stage until the site can be scraped clean for something bigger, shinier, and "better."
November 16, 2023
November 15, 2023
November 14, 2023. Tough day with the Polaroid. The best that I got.
November 13, 2023
November 12, 2023. Bluebird houses. Twenty years ago we just didn't see bluebirds. Now they are plentiful. This area of a park has dozens of bluebird housed. I noticed that they were all oriented similarly. There's a reason. It is best if the opening faces the east - away from the prevailing wind.
November 11, 2023
November 10, 2023
November 9, 2023. One way. After struggling yesterday to get a good exposure, I found my composition today and nailed a pleasing exposure on the first shot. From a mural by Yehimi Cabrón.
November 8, 2023. Back again to the seahorses in the cemetery. A difficult scene to capture (for me) on the Polaroid.
November 7, 2023. Pull to Start. Push to Stop. Yes, another round thing.
November 6, 2023
November 5, 2023. HEE must to be around somewhere. (A dad joke that will resonate if you remember Grandpa Jones and Buck Owens or Sam Wainwright and George Bailey.)
November 4, 2023
November 3, 2023. Entry to an abandoned anchor store at a formerly thriving shopping mall. Just a matter of time before this building is knocked down.
November 2, 2023. Conduits.
November 1, 2023
October 31, 2023. Arches and shadows.
October 30, 2023. Back home after last road trip of the season.
October 29, 2023
October 28, 2023. German Village. Columbus, Ohio.
October 27, 2023. Pool Puddles.
October 26, 2023. Tanks. Tennessee River. Knoxville.
October 25, 2023. Embraced.
October 24, 2023. Will it hold?
October 23, 2023. An uncommon sight this morning on our city, residential street.
October 22, 2023
October 21, 2023
October 20, 2023. Final preparations.
October 19, 2023. Slight breeze.
October 18, 2023. $1 fine!
October 17, 2023. Now, that's better.
October 16, 2023. A distinctive building in our town. Tried hard to get a good exposure, but the Polaroid gods were pushing back.
October 15, 2023. Portrait of a disheveled tractor.
October 14, 2023. One last round thing. (For now.)
October 13, 2023. Another round thing.
October 12, 2023. Spinnin' wheel got to go 'round.
October 11, 2023. Flat tire. But as my mother would add with a smile, "it's only flat on the bottom." 60 days into the project. A good start. 306 days remain. (2024 is a leap year.)
October 10, 2023
October 9, 2023. A recently closed barbecue stand - so maybe not.
October 8, 2023. Beauty on bricks. From a mural by Yehimi Cabrón.
October 7, 2023. Seahorses in the cemetery.
October 6, 2023. Last day on the road begins.
October 5, 2023. A welcome sight after a long, rainy day on the road. But, still 300 miles from home.
October 4, 2023. A cascade of autumn.
October 3, 2023. Long lost sister. See September 23, 2023 and August 15, 2023.
October 2, 2023. Lake Life.
October 1, 2023. Horizontal bands of color.
September 30, 2023. I’ve driven by this unique building for 47 years as I’ve visited Columbus, Nebraska. The entire roof of this large manufacturing building comprises these mogul-like domes. A photography teacher told me that if you see something that interests you photograph it NOW. It might not be there later. There is a For Sale sign on this building, and there is a chance that the next time I’m in town it will be gone. But, I photographed it today.
September 29, 2023. Columbus, Nebraska - City of Power and Progress.
September 28, 2023. Columbus, Nebraska. The City of Power and Progress. In the 1930s a diversion canal was dug from the Loup River for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The second, and largest, power generating plant is located at Columbus. In the 1930s, in the midst of the Great Depression, they designed and constructed functional buildings that showed character.
September 27, 2023. Born in the USA.
September 26, 2023. In Nebraska - where Godfather's Pizza started. But not started at this location.
September 25, 2023. Road Trip - Rest Stop.
September 24, 2023. A clean, well-lighted place.
September 23, 2023. The upper left "decoration" shows that Polaroids are unpredictable.
September 22, 2023. Friendly little library.
September 21, 2023. Haunted? Nope, just under construction.
September 20, 2023. You have to appreciate a duck who wears a hat with such style.
September 19, 2023. A joke between friends. But, don't crack up.
September 18, 2023. Ford, yellow. See September 5th posting.
September 17, 2023. Now, on to find No. 41.
September 16, 2023
September 15, 2023
September 14, 2023. Ohh nooo!
September 13, 2023
September 12, 2023
September 11, 2023
September 10, 2023
September 9, 2023. Flora and fauna on brick. From a mural by Yehimi Cabrón.
September 8, 2023
September 7, 2023
September 6, 2023
September 5, 2023
September 4, 2023
September 3, 2023
September 2, 2023. From a mural by Killamari.
September 1, 2023. Update - October 11th. Drove by this site today and the building, along with a half-dozen surrounding were flattened. On to the next development.
August 31, 2023. All in all, it was all just bricks in the wall.
August 30, 2023. That umbrella, we employed it. Hat tip to Graham Nash and The Hollies. Around 1979 Nash gave the gift of a Polaroid SX-70 camera to his friend André Kertész, a giant of 20th century photography. Kertész, then in his 80s, was inspired, and for the next 6 years he made more beautiful art.
August 29, 2023. . . . pulling out of here to win.
August 28, 1023. Both Sides Now. East facing side of the sign in morning light.
August 27, 2023. Horizontals, verticals, and diagonals, oh my.
August 26, 2023. Complementary Colors.
August 25, 2023.
August 24, 2023. Stone Lion. Also, a blue house.
August 23, 2023. Little Pink Houses. I walk down a street I used to live on and see houses like this. But I don’t think they’ll be around for long. They’ll be scraped away and replaced with much larger houses, shoe-horned on the lots. And likely not pink.
August 22, 2023.
August 21, 2023. Waffle House Museum, evening light. Yes, they have a museum. Site of the very first Waffle House.
August 20, 2023. All you need is . . .
August 19, 2023. Band saw with a message.
August 18, 2023. Alway proper and neat flags on this grave of a young Marine Corps lieutenant, who died in Vietnam more than fifty years ago.
August 17, 2023.
August 16, 2023. Friends we miss.
August 15, 2023. Disarm you with a smile.
August 14, 2023. Parked or abandoned?
August 13, 2023. I told Trish, "Don't smile for this one." Of course, the Polaroid gods made this the most usable image. The year begins.