In the heart of New York City’s iconic Central Park,a nostalgic trend is captivating the Instagram generation. amid the digital age, where smartphones dominate photography, a growing number of young tourists are flocking to Brian Fass, an internet-famous Polaroid photographer, for a tangible keepsake of thier visit.
Sophia Baui, a 19-year-old Australian tourist, traveled from Sydney to Manhattan with one goal in mind: to capture her New York memories on a vintage Polaroid.“It’s just so authentic,” Baui told The Post. “Looking back on memories,it’s a genuine trinket of something that was in the moment from that time.” She added,“My kids are gonna look back on that adn that’s me in New York.”
Fass, who has been stationed at the Mall in Central Park for a decade, has become a must-visit destination for TikTokers and tourists alike. His photography station,located on the promenade leading to the Bethesda Fountain,offers a unique $20 photo-op that has garnered rave reviews online.
For the digitally savvy generation, the allure lies in the tangible nature of Polaroid prints. Unlike the thousands of images stored on smartphones, these 3-by-3-inch snapshots offer a physical connection to the past. “It’s nice to have a picture, a physical picture, rather than something on yoru phone,” said James Smithson, a 23-year-old visitor from the UK. His companion, Brooke Candlish, 24, described Fass as “a real-life photo booth.”
This resurgence of interest in Polaroids mirrors the growing popularity of other vintage tech, such as vinyl records and cassette tapes. For Gen Z,these analog relics offer a nostalgic escape from the digital world.Fass’s work has become a cultural phenomenon, drawing crowds eager to experience the charm of instant film photography. As Baui put it, “There’s nothing else like it around.”
Key Highlights of Brian Fass’s Central Park Polaroids
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | The Mall, Central Park, near Bethesda Fountain |
| Price | $20 per Polaroid photo |
| Experience | Vintage Polaroid photography with a nostalgic touch |
| Audience | Gen Z tourists, TikTok enthusiasts, and vintage tech lovers |
| Unique Appeal | tangible, physical keepsakes in a digital age |
For those planning a trip to New York City, a visit to Brian Fass’s Central Park Polaroids station is a must. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this experience offers a timeless way to capture memories in the city that never sleeps.
So,next time you’re in Central Park,skip the selfies and opt for a Polaroid. As Baui said, it’s a piece of history you can hold in your hands.
The Central Park Polaroid Guy: Capturing Instant Memories in the Heart of New York
For over a decade, Jonathan Fass, affectionately known as the “Central Park Polaroid Guy,” has been turning fleeting moments into tangible memories for visitors and locals alike. Armed with his trusty Polaroid camera, Fass has become a fixture in the iconic park, snapping instant photos that have captured everything from anniversary celebrations to marriage proposals.
Born and raised on the Upper East Side, just a block from Central Park, Fass has spent most of his life immersed in the beauty of the green space. What started as a side hustle to market his park photography has blossomed into a full-fledged business, with his Polaroid portraits becoming a blockbuster success.
“The Polaroids took off, and no one noticed my photography,” Fass told The New York Post.
A Decade of Instant Memories
Fass began his journey ten years ago, charging just $5 per photo. Today,his business has grown exponentially,with customers lining up for a chance to own a physical piece of their Central Park experience. In fact, last month, Fass set a personal record by snapping 220 Polaroid pictures in a single day. To date, he estimates he’s taken between 25,000 and 30,000 instant photos in the park.
“It’s nice to know that people are embracing physical pictures,” Fass said. “I’m giving people instant memories, and they have a physical picture that they can hold.”
Despite the rise of digital photography, Fass’s Polaroid portraits have struck a chord with visitors who crave something tangible. “It’s like a real-life photo booth,” said Candlish, a customer who discovered Fass through TikTok. Her friend, smithson, added, “I like the idea of having a physical photograph rather than a digital image.”
A New York Icon
Fass’s work has not only attracted everyday visitors but also the occasional celebrity. Pierce Brosnan,the famed actor,once handed over a $20 bill for a close-up. Even on bitterly cold days,Fass continues to draw eager customers,proving the enduring appeal of his craft.
Stella Makay, a 19-year-old student from Vermont, and Diego Green, 20, stumbled upon Fass’s work on social media and made it a point to stop by during their stroll through the park. “That’s the only reason we really came here to Central Park,” Candlish admitted, braving the frigid temperatures for the chance to take home a Polaroid memory.
A Tradition of Love and Loyalty
Over the years, Fass has witnessed countless special moments, from anniversary celebrations to proposals. Some customers, like Georgia couple Bella Katzmark, 22, and Caleb Alderman, 23, have made it an annual tradition to pose for a photograph on their anniversary.
“It’s amazing to see people come back year after year,” fass said.“It’s a testament to the power of a physical photograph.”
The Business of Nostalgia
While Fass declined to disclose his yearly earnings, he acknowledged that his Polaroid gig is his “main moneymaker.” Operating four days a week, his business thrives on foot traffic, which varies depending on the weather and time of day.| key Facts About the Central Park Polaroid Guy |
|—————————————————|
| Years in Business | 10+ years |
| Photos Taken | 25,000–30,000 |
| Record in a Single Day | 220 photos |
| Price per Photo (Starting) | $5 |
| Location | Central Park,NYC |
Fass’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of nostalgia in a digital age. As he continues to capture memories in the heart of New York City, his work serves as a reminder of the power of a single photograph to tell a story, evoke emotion, and create lasting connections.
For those visiting Central Park, a stop at Fass’s Polaroid stand is more than just a photo op—it’s a chance to take home a piece of New York magic.
Have you visited the Central Park Polaroid guy? Share your experience in the comments below!
The Polaroid Revival: How a New York Photographer is Capturing Life’s Milestones
In a world dominated by digital snapshots and fleeting social media posts, one New York photographer is bringing back the charm of instant film. Fass, a Polaroid photographer, has become a beloved figure in the city, capturing everything from engagements to anniversaries for couples and individuals alike. His work is a testament to the enduring appeal of tangible memories in an increasingly virtual world.
A tradition of Timeless Moments
For many, a visit to Fass has become an annual ritual.Take Katzmark and Alderman, for example. The couple had their first Polaroid portrait taken by Fass exactly one year ago to celebrate their anniversary. This year, they returned for a second photo, cementing what Katzmark calls a “very memorable” way to experience the city.
“Last year, when we were walking through the park, I was like, ‘I’ve seen the Polaroid guy, let’s go see him,’” Katzmark told The Post. “It hangs up on my fridge now.”
Alderman added, “We’re gonna add this one to our collection.”
Similarly, local content creator Danielle Carolan and her boyfriend, Ryan, have turned their visits to Fass into a cherished tradition. Over the past four years, the couple has amassed a collection of Polaroids that document their journey together.
“Now we’re at senior year,” Carolan joked to The Post about her four-photo series.
The Allure of Tangible Memories
In an era where most photos live on smartphones or social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Carolan finds something uniquely special about having physical prints.“It just feels like, in a world of Instagram and TikTok and all these online platforms, I don’t really have many printed-out photos of him and I,” she explained. “I think this just kind of gives it this wholesome feel that we don’t get a lot.”
Carolan also noted that while there are “knock-offs” in the park, “it’s not the same” as Fass’ photography. His skill and artistry set him apart, making each Polaroid a keepsake worth treasuring.
The Polaroid Comeback
It might seem ironic that a generation with cameras in their back pockets is flocking to an old-school medium like Polaroid photography. Yet, Fass sees it as a natural response to the ephemeral nature of digital media.
“I’m grateful that they found it,that it’s coming back,” he said.
The resurgence of instant film speaks to a broader cultural shift. People are craving authenticity and permanence in a world saturated with filters and fleeting content. Fass’ work taps into this desire, offering a tangible connection to cherished moments.
Why Fass Stands Out
| Key highlights | Details |
|———————|————-|
| Photographer | Fass |
| Specialty | Polaroid photography |
| Clients | Couples, individuals, and families |
| Signature Style | Capturing life milestones with a nostalgic touch |
| Unique Appeal | Tangible, immediate prints in a digital age |
Fass’ ability to capture the essence of his subjects has made him a fixture in New York’s cultural landscape. Whether it’s an engagement,anniversary,or simply a day out in the park,his Polaroids tell stories that resonate deeply with his clients.
A Call to Preserve Memories
As Fass continues to document life’s milestones, his work serves as a reminder of the power of physical photographs. In a world where digital images can be deleted or lost with the click of a button, a Polaroid offers something enduring.
For those looking to create their own timeless memories, a visit to Fass might just be the perfect way to start a new tradition.
Have you experienced the magic of instant film? Share your thoughts on the Polaroid revival in the comments below!
