Thalia Gochez’s [@thaliagochez] Portraits for Polariod’s “Real Life” Campaign Are Sacred

In a world where a new social media app launches every six months, Polaroid’s most recent global campaign reminds us that “nothing worthwhile should come in an instant.” The worldwide campaign, “Real Life,” marks the newest generation of Now and Now+ cameras by asking 15 emerging and established photographers to capture Real Life on Polaroid. 

One of the photographers from the series, Thalia Gochez, whose work focuses on highlighting BIPOC individuals. She is best known for creating vibrant and dynamic photographs that give a solid nod to her fashion background. For Polaroid, Gochez photographs Tatyana, whose intimate portraits move audiences. GUAP sits down with Gochzes to learn more about what Real Life means to her: 

GUAP: The title of this compilation is “Real Life is Having to Wait.” What does that mean to you? 

Thalia: “Real life is having to wait” directly connects to the precious and sacred waiting period Tatyana was undergoing as she was anticipating the arrival of her daughter. I learned so much that day about the importance of slowing down and embracing the time life gives you when you have to wait. Real life is precious, but it also isn’t perfect, and sometimes we have to wait for our blessings to come at the right time.

GUAP: Your photos feel so incredibly intimate. Tell me about the subjects and the stories you’re capturing.

Thalia: I always say the dynamics and friendships I strive to build don’t end when the camera turns off. You can’t photoshop intimacy, so doing the work of the camera by building actual trust and friendship is genuinely central to my art practice. Not for the photographs but for my love and respect for the people I photograph. Everybody has a beautiful story, and I’m honored to play a small role in capturing it.

GUAP: How does photography help you understand and uplift your heritage?

Thalia: I use photography to celebrate my heritage, not understand it. I appreciate my heritage because it lives inside me, where I source most of my inspiration. I want my photography to combat stereotypes and negativity to show stories rich in culture, truth, and love. 

GUAP: How does Polaroid photography help your artistic practice?

Thalia: Polaroid has helped me see the beauty in the imperfect. I’m a perfectionist, but working with Polaroid has helped me surrender all limiting ideas of perfectionism. When you take a picture on a Polaroid camera, it typically comes out in rhythm, and sometimes it isn’t perfect. Learning that core lesson has helped me connect to my creativity more deeply. Professionalism hinders our ability to connect to our most creative selves, so shooting with Polaroid film gives you freedom and a playground to create without judgment or rules.

See more photos from Gochez’s series below: 

Discover more from GUAP’s Arts and Culture section here.