Brian Fass, affectionately known as the "Central Park Polaroid Guy," has become an unexpected sensation among Gen Z visitors to New York City's iconic park. For the past decade, Fass has been stationed at the Mall in Central Park, offering a unique, vintage-style photo-op that has captured the imagination of a younger audience. This newfound acclaim can largely be attributed to the rave reviews on TikTok, where fans eagerly share their $20 Polaroid experiences.
Fass estimates he's snapped between 25,000 and 30,000 Polaroid pictures over the years. His presence in the park four days a week has become a staple for many visitors. Business has significantly boomed in the last year, with long lines forming and even celebrities like Pierce Brosnan stopping by for a close-up. Brosnan once handed over an Andrew Jackson for a cherished Polaroid memento.
Initially, Fass charged just $5 for a snapshot when he began his instant portrait business as a means to market his park photography. Over time, he became a part of countless personal milestones, capturing moments like anniversary celebrations and proposals. Fass takes pride in providing immediate memories through his work.
“It’s nice to know that people are embracing physical pictures,” – Fass
The allure of tangible photographs has struck a chord with many young people who are rediscovering the novelty of film. Fass has cultivated a loyal following of patrons who view their annual visit as a tradition. Danielle Carolan, for instance, refers to her sessions with Fass as "picture day" and treasures a collection of Polaroids with her boyfriend, Ryan.
“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,” – Carolan
Sophia Baui, an Upper East Side resident, remarked on how Fass's Polaroids have eclipsed his other photographic work.
“The Polaroids took off and no one noticed my photography.” – Fass
Despite his viral fame, Fass remains humble about his success and declined to disclose his yearly earnings. He estimates taking around 220 Polaroid pictures on a single day at the park, setting personal records in the process.
The appeal of Fass's work is evident in the stories of his fans. Candlish noted that meeting Fass was a primary reason for visiting Central Park.
“That’s the only reason we really came here to Central Park,” – Candlish
Katzmark shared a similar sentiment after encountering Fass during a walk through the park last year.
“Last year, when we were walking through the park, I was like, ‘I’ve seen the Polaroid guy, let’s go see him,’” – Katzmark
Even first-timers like Alderman are eager to add Fass's Polaroids to their personal collections.
“We’re gonna add this one to our collection,” – Alderman
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