About Last Night…

Photographs by Gabriela Marie

Photographer Gabriela Marie shares her series, “Drunk Polaroids”, where she documents her friends partying all over Los Angeles. She talks about growing up between the U.S.A. and Poland, not caring about what people think, and capturing the good times.

Los Angeles, USA

What is your history as a photographer?

Well, let's see...I started drinking about 10 years ago and picked up a Polaroid around the same time and there you have it! I've been documenting the good times since 2010. I try not to take myself too seriously, but I do hone in on the composition and subject matter, always trying to capture fun in the moment.

You grew up between the United States and Poland. How did growing up in two different cultures influence you as a person and an artist?

Growing up in a strict Polish household there was a lot of emphasis placed on sports & academics. Art was frowned upon, so naturally, as a teenager, partying and being artistic was an act of rebellion. I was out of the house at a young age, and quickly found a home in my friends and my Polaroid.

How has photography changed how you see the world?

With Drunk Polaroids, I am helping my friends remember what happened the night before (lol). To be honest, I view it more as a social reprieve from the chaos happening in the world. At the end of the day, having a good innocent party filled evening typically unites people, and having those times documented captures moments of peace, hilarity and joy.

You are sharing your project "Drunk Polaroids". What is the story behind this project?

Drunk Polaroids is exactly what it sounds like. I was always running around with my friends at bars, parties, etc., taking photos of unique people, old friends, new friends and artists. The next morning we would all look at them to remind ourselves what actually happened the night before. Somehow they have just accumulated over the past 10 years.

Why do you prefer to use Polaroid film versus digital or another type of film?

This may be an unpopular opinion but I just do not have the patience to edit photos or wait for them to be developed. I am experimenting with my 35mm a bit more these days but the instant gratification of a polaroid is the hit of serotonin my brain needs.

Tell the story behind one of the images.

*I want to talk about this photo of my best friend, roommate and toxic twin Ashley because she was the one that convinced me to finally put my photos out there. Plus it's no coincidence that I have years worth of drunk polaroids of her. This photo was taken at a grimey warehouse party in DTLA circa 2015 and well... I'll just let the photo speak for itself. We had a very good time.

Who are the people you photograph? Why do they inspire you?

My idiot friends who I adore. Over the years, I have found myself surrounded by a community of artists, musicians, actors, and quite the cast of characters. Every person I choose to keep in my life is unique, but also loyal and hardworking. I think it shows in the photos how much fun we have together.

How is this series challenging you and making you grow?

Since I began putting the series out there it's pushed me to bring my camera everywhere I go, which is sometimes uncomfortable but it's also taught me not to care what people think (or at least get drunk enough not to care!). But really, it has taught me to step outside of my comfort zone. I am a fairly private person, so putting my most prized possessions, my memories, on display and basically the timeline and history of my entire adult life, has been a very vulnerable experience.