It is a personal project created during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a filmmaker and photographer, the first thing I want to do when something happens is to document as much as I can. The challenge was in figuring out how to go about capturing what was going on in the world when I couldn’t be around people.
I toyed with that question for a few days before coming up with the idea behind Social Polaroids. The project provided a much-needed distraction and created the opportunity to collaborate and connect with friends and family, as well as new people from around the world who are all going through the same thing.
It was a very tough and challenging time for everyone. The project demonstrated that we are all united and connected in our shared uncertainty, fears, and hopes.
YES ALL ARE REAL PLAROIDS!
Mimi Gee - Washington D.C.
“Community, Anxious, Family, Reflection, Unity, Racism, Small businesses, Selflessness , Fear-driven and Persevere.” - Mimi
Michael Kunz - Malverne, NY
“The place I have been spending most of my time during this quarantine has been my dining room/ homeschool classroom/ satellite classroom for my high school students. The quarantine to me, like many other's, is a time of uncertainty. It is a time where we hit the pause button on our lives and reassess what we have, whats important us and what we really need in life. It is a time when we recognize that life is short and uncontrollable.” -Michael
Aurelia - Newcastle, Australia
“I must admit even though we have been quarantine to our homes alot of people have been struggling to deal with being isolated. I haven't! I enjoy my own company and always have.
We have been lucky enough to have our business classed as an essential workers.
We paint or die. It's always been our moto and it always will. We have been working through the lockdown and will continue to push the paint and the positive vibes for the ones that can't.” -Aurelia
Lorenzo Dickerson - Charlottesville, VA
“To me this time of quarantine is a time to reset. A time to refocus on what's most important. To spend time with family, share with others and accomplish all those creative and entreprenurial things you've been thinking of and working on outside of your 9-5 job, but never had the time to complete. I'm blessed that my family and friends are safe and healthy. The positive part to this is that COVID-19 has forced me to slow down and regroup. Something that I may have never done if I wasn't forced to do so.” -Lorenzo
Mike, Bianca and Emmett Monfett - Jersey City, NJ
"It has been an amazing yet confusing time, introducing our infant son to the world, this world. But if anything has given us hope that normalcy is on the horizon, it is the wonder of a baby boy navigating his first days on earth just as every baby boy had before and will after. “-Michael
Claude Maynard - Washington D.C.
"Praying for those affected. Thankful to those keeping society some what functioning. Slowly embracing my new norm.”-Claude Maynard
Krazy Race - Los Angeles, CA
“Family, Media, Restless, Grateful, Sleep, Laughter, Community, 5G, Angry, Music, Krazy, Love. - Krazy Race
Franklyn Jimenez - Sweden
"Quarantine Not. It feels like maybe we missed the memo. Children going to school and parents going to work. More work for frontliners and no work for airliners. It's tough trying to minimize socializing when you’re dealing with a social economy. It feels like maybe we missed the memo.” -Franklyn
Emma Steele - San Francisco, CA
"I could feel the anxiety of being stuck in my home building. Days felt like months in this closed off structure. And then one day I got quiet, deciding to make my house entirely my own. I went inward discovering new skills I had yet to develop. I sought out books I’d put off reading. Watercolored pictures inspired by the permanence. I learned that I had this new life building inside me that I’d never known. I’m scared for the world and all the people in it, but I’m thankful.”- Emma
Mr. Forge - Falls Church, VA
"During this time of quarantine, I spend alot of my time reflecting in my backyard. Upon reflection, I have found solace since I have more time with my Suns. Especially with my little ones. I have been blessed to be able to work from home and in that I have spent less time in traffic and more time at home with them. Being able to be with them at night time, and to wake up with them. On a creative note, it has also allowed me to write more songs and allow the creative process to naturally flow. Time... I have more time...this quarantine has given me more....time.”- Mr. Forge
Benjamin Riches - Washington D.C.
"I feel like I’ve aged 10 years but from doing absolutely nothing and in only one month. I’ve never felt this way before: getting exactly what I asked for (less human interaction) but without any agency in the timing of the decision. Oh. and also everyone else has to stay inside forever, too. Except for those that have to work, which leads to an inescapable feeling of guilt that’s hard to reconcile with going day-to-day.
I miss baseball. I miss record stores and cold brew. I miss the horrible normal we had like a month ago. I’m grateful that I am able to miss things. I’m grateful for my position and my ability to still be able to work. I wonder, if when this is all over, will we be held accountable? Will we hold those that handled this poorly accountable? What’s next? What’s our new normal?” -Benjamin
Jordan Davis - Washington D.C.
"I was trying to fall asleep one night and had an overwhelming feeling that I needed to move things, so the next morning I woke up and rearranged all my furniture. I’m not sure if my motivation to reorganize and redecorate my space stems from boredom or wanting a sense of control in my surroundings in this chaotic time; probably a combination. I think it’s important to say, for anyone reading this, that if your time in isolation doesn’t include organizing, learning a new skill, or something deemed “productive” that its okay. We are all coping with this the best we can.” - Jordan
Vickie Little
“Faith, family, anxiety, prayer,fear, self-care (physical and spiritual),
Peace, solitude, priorities, relationships. The list is long!!! There is anger and frustration thrown in the mix also!!!”- Vickie
Marc -NYC
"For me, this quarantine has been about so many things. Taking care of myself mentally and physically, finding ways to better myself in every possible aspect, what I want the future to look like and why. I’ve had to ask myself important questions like what’s really most important to me, who I am now and who I want to be tomorrow. Most of all, it’s taught me that the only way out of a challenging time is through it.” -Marc
Garry Thaniel - NYC
“The quarantine has been interesting. I am using it to catch up with friends and family, do some much needed reflection on life and the future, and also keep things moving so that when things are back tot normal, we don’t have to take to long ramping up, ya know, stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. It’s difficult being in doors so much, but I’m with my lady so no complaints and I have everything I need. I am also very thankful during this time. Thankful that we live in an error with so much technology, that we can be connected to others without physically being around them, and thank you for everyone during their part to get us through this time.” -Garry
Tracy Serrano - Los Angeles, CA
“Although at times it doesn't seem real that we are in a pandemic subtleties remind us that we are! We are fortunate enough to have a place to call home and remain in our "bubble". We are also fortunate to both still have a job and that does not put us in direct danger. While we have the comfort of being able to provide "essential" necessities, there is still that fear...fear of not being able to protect your family from something you can’t see. Fear of not doing enough for yourself and those you love. Fear of the unknown and not being in control. Along with fear comes frustration and anxiety....then your left to cope as well as you can. Trying to remain positive and motivated to keep pushing forward for the well being of yourself and your family....Just keep on keeping on!” -Tracy
Rubin - NYC
"Here’s a quick selfie of me where I currently spend most of my time. Like many people in NYC we live in a tiny one bedroom apartment. I’ve setup this little work space in my son’s bedroom. I try to keep somewhat normal work days and in order to do so I have to keep the door locked. My son who is 4 doesn’t like it. He bangs and kicks on the doors. I keep my noise cancelling headphones on but I usually end up taking them off and open the door and instead play with him. Some lines in my works aren’t as straight as usual because something my son comes and slams my back with both of his hands when I’m in the middle of painting some important details, but it’s ok, I don’t like when the lines are too straight anyway…” -Rubin
Eileen Rivera - Woodland, CA
“Fear, hope, peace, love, resilience, isolation, togetherness, sadness, happiness, family, friends.” - Eileen
Godforbid (That Handsome Devil) - New York, NY
"Not really sure, can I just say: build build build build build build build build build build build build build build build build build build build”- Godforbid
Charlie Crocker - Nashville, TN
"Health. Collective. Boredom. FaceTime. Wine. Future. Golf. Content. Hustle. Canceled. Extrovert. “ - Charlie
Charlie Bogart - Los Angeles, CA
“lockdown by Charlie Bogart...
woke in an atmospheric avalanche where an anarchistic bloodthirsty virus is waging war
against life’s headquarters attacking our vital spark, our frame of mind, our breath of life
and its very substance. the human spirit is consumed with greed and arrogance. nature is
speaking to us. Earth is on a path to environmental collapse, life is eroding and organizing
the planet into a graveyard all while the 5G network is brewing and braising us alive.
Angst and despair are consuming are immortality. do the gods have our attention yet?
Mother Earth is healing now. while chaos, panic & fear drive our elemental upheaved
emotion, i also feel the approach of a swirl of positive essence – of peace – of love – of
possibility. as a whole if we can bring that collective cup of consciousness to the top, it
can heighten our human spirit. Mother Earth is cleansing and this universe crawls with
an intelligence which one has no real understanding and it is fighting for balance.” -Charlie Bogart
Sarah Casiano - Saint Simons Island, GA
“Truth is often found in the tension of two extremes. The quarantine has held us collectively and personally in this space for a week now. We live in scary times, but our days are spent peacefully in our homes. We are anxious of the unknown yet we’re surrounded by the boredom of the everyday. This rhythmic wave pushes and pulls at us, an invitation to meditate on truth: that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. So let it sway you into a current of movement and direction. A highway of intentionality. All of us, together, can shift an atmosphere- change an environment.”- Sarah
Rebecca Martin - Charlottesville, VA
"I am trying to be grateful for what I have during this quarantine. How lucky am I to have a home and a job with health insurance and a healthy family. This is my daily life - balancing work with kids is not easy. Our days consist of lots of puzzles, UNO and Memory, with some work Zoom meetings in there once in a while.” -Rebecca
Nalee Kim - Washington D.C.
“This is me and the only mask that fits me right now. It's fucked up that I should wear this to protect myself and others from me. But, also I have to gauge who I'm walking past and how they will react to me, an Asian woman, in a mask. I am not fearing the unknown monetarily, or even the uncertainty of when "normal" starts up again. I fear the hate that people have and how powerful hate can be, especially when exercised in numbers. So yes, while I have this amazing Disney mask on that makes me happy because I love Disney; I would still rather risk my personal health for my personal safety.
That being said, my greatest concern is for the staff I work with, uncertain times are difficult times. The most we can do is check in on each other and ourselves. Stay connected through whatever means we have even if it just a text or meme on social media. We will get through this and this WILL pass.
I took this at Bantam King because I still go into work to help (help, not work for money) where I can to ensure that there are places for our staff to come back to when this does all pass.” -Nalee
Tom Sena - NY
“This quarantine feels like the world telling us to take a “time out” and reset everything. It’s given me, as an artist, the chance to reconnect with why being creative is such a vital part of who I am; why it’s important to my psyche, my mental health, my sanity. My studio has become an even more vital haven for me, allowing me to close off from this unsure time, even for brief moments each day.“
-Tom Sena
Sara - Baltimore, MD
"It felt like my world was spiraling before quarantine. A family member was diagnosed with cancer and receiving treatment, I was juggling a demanding job, trying to please others around me, all while failing to care for my own mental health. I recall saying to a friend in the midst of my own frenzy that “I wish the world would just stop for a moment.” I desperately wanted and needed to get ahold of everything that seemed to be crumbling around me. Well, my “wish” came true. The world has stopped. In a cruel, scary and uncertain time, we are all faced with an invisible nightmare. Though this has added layers of challenges to my family’s situation, I have found reprieve in that I am given the gift of being with my family each and every day with no one in the world asking anything of me, but to just be still. For that I am grateful. I know this is temporary and sacrifices are being made each day by incredible people to help us find a solution. Until then, I will take moments on the porch with my pup, watch movies with family and find ways to extend my love, gratitude and care for the community around me.” -Sara
Xavier Alexander - Reisterstown, MD
"This has been my station for the past three weeks. Fortunately, they were kind enough to let us work from home. But seeing these same four walls and same thing every day is taking its toll. I miss my family, my co-workers, my friends… I miss human contact. This is not living, but I'm trying and praying that this will be over soon.” -Xavier Alexander
Al Varela - Los Angeles, CA
"The pic I’m sending you is my little corner were I’ve been spending most of my time lately. I work in manufacturing were we build CNC machines. My employer is Haas Automation where Ive been employed for almost 20 years. My work schedule has gone down from 50 hours a week, (5, 10 hour days to 32 hours 4, 8 hour days). The factory has about 1,200 employees and for the past 2 weeks we all have had to enter through the main entrance and go through a thermal scanner. The factory has very strict “Social Distancing” rules and has closed all break rooms and our lunch parks and have installed hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the buildings. The fact that we are still working kind of gives me a sense of normalcy for a bit. Not sure how much longer we’ll stay open but for now it helps the time pass. It definitely is challenging, but when I get home I’m able lose myself in artwork. It really helps the time go by and keeps my thoughts off what’s going on.” -Al Varela
Vaughn Luciano - Austin, TX
“Alone, nervous, helpless, annoying, frustrated, inconvenience, health, awareness, loved ones, innovate.” - Vaughn Luciano
Ruth - New York City
"Something about needing to know the grays to fully appreciate the color and needing to know the dark to fully appreciate the light.” -Ruth
Ana Rojas - Mexico City
"Everything started with a lot of negativity, a lot of fear, frustration, financial terror, sadness and anger with the government (Mexican and American).
But then I started to appreciate the extra time to use it in my favor, to do those things that I’ve been postponing.
All this “social distancing” has given me more closeness to my family and friends than before. Gratitude and creativity are having a boost.
Nature is having a rest from us and I’m loving to see how the water and the skies are clearing up.” -Ana Rojas
Sicko Soldado - Los Angeles, CA
“Family, health, hope, conspiracy, revolution, propaganda, fear, insight, peace, justice.” -Sicko Soldado
Gary - Alexandria, VA
“One of the best things about this quarantine is feeling the love from Family and friends that you might not have kept in touch with. They just want to see if you are safe.” -Gary
Holly - Charlottesville, VA
“Fear, family, Huey, Chapin, students, friends, health, blessed, confused and hope.” -Holly
Taylor Comstock - Washington D.C.
"For me quarantine means a lot of things: self reflection, trying to finish law school, the future, and predominantly unemployment, and fear, both for myself and those I care about. I hope that this experience makes people realize that everyone has a purpose, and no job is more important than another. There are different kinds of roles all of which are necessary for life and society to work the way that we’re used to whether that be fast food workers, hospitality workers, janitorial staff and cleaning crews, or the first responders, nurses, doctors, and other hospital staff that are putting themselves on the front lines. This disease has been an equalizer- it affects everyone whether that be through illness, loss, unemployment or isolation. We are all human. I hope that everyone has compassion for each other and supports each other as best they can.” -Taylor
Jehuniko - Los Angeles, CA
“Anger at world governments, population control, cooking a lot, loving my time with my daughter, research on supplements to ensure I’m healthy, drinking sea moss tea & it tastes like fish - so nasty even with honey, paranoia, misinformation, seeking distraction at times, the news is overwhelming... and I am definitely isolated.” -Jehuniko
Sam Peoples (Airros) - Baltimore, MD
“I’ve spent 2 weeks on team that could deploy if the government needed my help. Today, that ends even though the quarantine doesn’t. With that, I’ve got to spend time at home. I got to know my music. I’ve got to build a business. I’ve gotten into a routine.
Truthfully, I don’t want to leave. I enjoyed my time here. I’ve enjoyed getting to know myself. I’ve enjoyed playing instruments. More than anything, I’ve enjoyed the free time and the ability to reconnect with my wife, the love of my life. All of our lives have been changed forever. Even though we’ve been “locked up,” I’m forever grateful.” -Sam Peoples (Airros)
Carl Maynard - Washington D.C.
“I'm feeling guilty. I'm feeling like I’m not doing enough nor am I capable of doing more, not because I can't but because things are so tight and tense and uncertain that it's hard to figure out what I can do.
I want to spend every single dollar I have on others and for others but have to think of my family and my family's future.
Every single day I feel helpless and it hurts. I just want to help, and I spend so much time trying to figure out how? but I know, maybe the most helpful thing I can do is to just sit down.” -Carl Maynard
Tomáš Tulak - Prague, Czech Republic
“I am a person who likes to be free as a bird, who can fly whereever he wants, and for this reason the quarantine does not make me feel good. But it is necessary for the good of all. If we all endure the quarantine for a while, we will soon be able to fly freely again.
I also feel a lot of uncertainty. Every day I ask myself, when it does all this end?” -Tomáš Tulak
Victor Flores - Mexico City
"My hope for everyone is that we can all become more centered into all things that really matter. Compassion, love, hard work, striving to achieve things that matter, health. I won’t deny it, I’ve had a couple of tough weeks, but I’m optimistic. I know I’ll get through this by helping others. It’s just a wave, a cycle, and we’ll pass through it together." -Victor Flores
Breezedwood La Connecta - Los Angeles, CA
“Money, Clean, Confused, Family, Fearless, Aware, Work, Prayer, Writing, Music, Prepared, Distrust, Supplies, Unity, Protection, Survive,Government.” -Breezedwood La Connecta
Kevin J. - Silver Spring, MD
“Do you remember what life was like before “quarantine”? It feels like forever ago. Time has slowed down. I am more aware, I spend my time much more purposely. It seems that there’s more time to do things that I set out to do later. For example, I have been able to cook every single meal I have eaten in the past 3 weeks, that’s a record for me. I am lucky that I am healthy, surrounded by family and most importantly that I am safe. In short, “quarantine" reminded me of how lucky I am.” -Kevin J
Jennifer Donner - Arlington, VA
“During this challenging time, I have found hope and inspiration in the newfound sense of community, both locally and globally, that I’ve never witnessed before. Seeing people come together to take care of family, friends, and neighbors is so beautiful and touching and I hope it outlasts the pandemic. Personally, I’ve discovered a new level of compassion as I reach out more often to others in order to stay connected. And I am grateful everyday to be quarantined with my best buddy (my husband) and our two cats. It feels cozy and safe at home with the three of them. Especially when I’m hunkered down in my favorite spot on the couch, under a Rumpl blanket and a few cats, playing Animal Crossing. I love escaping to that fun, silly, and magical world every day 🌴⛺️🎣🐚🐞🦋“ -Jennifer Donner
Bella - Los Angeles, CA
“Inspired, self-love, nervous, cautious, grateful, clean, motivated” -Bella
Bernardo Peña - Santa Ana, CA
“During this self isolation period, I have realized how my priorities before were totally out of wack! This uncertain, confusing and frustrating period has been, for me, a blessing in disguise, as awful as I know it's been for so many who have truly suffered during this time. I am going to come out of this, a better version of myself. “ -Bernardo Peña
Katrina Turner - Charlottesville, VA
"Being isolated at this time is very difficult for me. Eight years ago I prayed that my son would come off of life support so he could celebrate his 23rd birthday. My wish came true but only for that 1 day by the next day he was back on life support. This year his birthday is on Easter Sunday April 12.” -Katrina Turner
Andrew Katz - Kent Island, MD
“Uncertainty - Each morning, my alarm chimes at the usual 5:45 am. I roll over, hit ‘snooze’, and remember that these are not normal, routine mornings. I can take my time, I can eat breakfast, I can walk the dog. I can’t go to my classroom, I can’t see my students (without a computer screen). I can’t go back to the former structure of my life. There is a pall over the day, an unseen dark cloud, and it is unifying us in the strangest ways. Suddenly, my job is to be an on-line teacher; a mentor, a model, a beacon of normalcy, for my students. This is difficult; not because of the hurdles of technology, or the distance between all of us, but because of the uncertainty. No one has the answers, we just have to keep it on and on. I will do my best to hide my fear; to continue to practice ‘material poetry’ (I just heard this term in Jerry Saltz’ new book). My new hashtag, and my new mantra is #CreativityIsNotCanceled - we need to listen to the words of the Beastie Boys’ Adam Yauch - “Put Your Worries on Hold / Get Up and Groove with the Rhythm in Your Soul”. - Wash your hands. Be safe. Stay well.” - Andy Katz
John Richter - Bayonne, NJ
"As i sit here, I try and face the new reality. A reality that I normally would have paid $15 to go see in a theater. A reality that I don't want to face. It's not for selfish reasons either. I take care of my grandparents and I worry about them. I do everything I can to make sure I don't contaminate anything they may touch or eat. I call them twice a day to make sure they aren't leaving the house and are taking their vitamins/ medication. I eat bad food again because I don't want to go home and eat their food. So i buy something on the way home and come home full. As any Hispanic would know, grandma wants to feed everyone. And yet I still feel like I'm not doing enough. I keep thinking, what if I'm infected and I don't know it. I sit here and watch my ipad every night watching my favorite show Billions with my grandparents in the other room.
I work at a bank and technically considered essential. I can't even concentrate because I worry about them. If they weren't around, I probably would volunteer for Covid-19 testing. I rarely get sick and when I do, it's not even that bad.
What this quarantine means to me is bringing others peoples needs first. I've texted and DM'd so many people making sure they have supplies. See if there is anything they need? or do you need me to Venmo you money? I realized that deep down inside, I'm not selfish. I love other people more than I love myself. Truthfully, I don't think that's a bad thing.” - John Richter
Ashon Crawley - Charlottesville, VA
"The quarantine for me has meant feeling, exponentially, the life of isolation and quiet I typically live as an introvert. But the social distancing makes connecting with the folks I love more ephemeral, based on technologies like phones and computers, but no longer having touch as the central way to communicate love and friendship. It’s been difficult. So I come to the woods most days to listen to the water and the wind. This is a pic of me in that place, sitting by a brook.” - Ashon Crawley
Rose Clark - Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
"Family, health, gratitude, HGTV and FaceTime 😊” -Rose Clark
Rosie Yamat - Nashua, Iowa
“To me, this quarantine is all about love for our community, solidarity for our common man, and peace and healing for our beloved, Gaia.
As we sit here in “quarantine,” we, the collective, are healing not only our bodies, but also our minds. We are allowing nature to replenish itself and run how it was meant to before the interference of the destructive minds of mankind.
Our world is healing now and I welcome this change. For we cannot change this change. It is time we accept what has been given to us. It is time WE adapt and EVOLVE. My blessings to you all during this transformational, but necessary time... ❤️“ -Rosie Yamat
Jason Bowers - Washington D.C.
“I'm one of the curators for the "soon" to be open Zena Hotel on Thomas Circle/14th St. The mural behind me, by the amazing MISS CHELOVE began a week before the Coronavirus pandemic shut down DC. We made the decision to push through because, as you can see, she is at peak social distancing, and I am able to keep 10'+ of free space around me at all times (it's quite dead in the park). Hope everyone is staying safe, healthy, and sane! “ -Jason Bowers
Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi - Bay Area, CA
“Trapped, Unprepared, Conspiracy, Shock Doctrine, Home, Family, Community, Income, Breath, Love! “ -Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi
Diana Marešová - Prague, Czech Republic
“Self-isolation means a slowdown in all aspects of my life. Just as I enjoy it as an introvert, I hate it. But it’s worth the health of my family and everyone else. These few weeks have also shown me that we can stand as a nation, even though I thought it was impossible. At the same time, I look forward to the moment when the fear disappears from the streets and I will be able to sit on the bus next to whom I want, without endangering anyone’s health.“ -Diana Marešová
Miguel “M.i.G.” Martinez - Arlington, VA
Family, Friends, Community, Love, Frustration, Sadness, Anger, Gratitude, Creativity, Health, Hope, Justice, Parents, Future, Fear, Nurses, Doctors, Politics, Finances, Kindness, Revolution, Suffering, Freedom, Travel, 4 Walls, COVID-19, News, Panic, Stress, Art, Music, Photography, Film, Loneliness, Quarantine, Isolated, Separated, Self-isolation, Test results, NYC, Mexico, San Miguel de Allende, Peace of Mind, Seconds, Minutes, Weeks, Months, Years, Jerbie, Games, Wylie, Sami, Olive, Capitalism, U.S. President, World Leaders, Trump, Hoax, Election Year, Propaganda, TV ratings, 45, 44th, Obama, Hospitals, Masks, Sanitizer, 2020, Vaccine, Coronavirus, Netflix, Tiger King, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Australia, Los Angeles, Mental Health, Social Distancing, Dr. Fauci, Andrew Cuomo, Elderly, Toilet Paper, Death, Hoarding, Central Park Field Hospital, Morgue, Action, Human Numbers, Financial Numbers, Down Playing, Homeless, Eviction, Restaurants and more…