Fun Fact Friday

On this day in 1947, instant photography (now commonly known as Polaroid) debuted at a meeting of the Optical Society of America in New York City. The camera and film were a three-year secret project by Edwin Land at his Polaroid laboratory, first known for creating polarized films used in goggles, gun sights, and other optical devices during World War II. The idea for instant photography was sparked by Land’s young daughter. While on vacation, he snapped a photo of her and she asked why she had to wait to see it. This simple question sent Land’s brain into high gear and he claims that within an hour he had formulated a plan and contacted his patent attorney.  More information about Edwin Land, Polaroid, and the history of instant photography can be found here.