Polaroid Hub
In Progress
An interactive photo arrangement experiment where you handle photographs like physical objects—drag them across a digital table, sequence them, and discover how their order changes meaning. A stepping stone toward reimagining photo book design.
The Concept
Photography isn't just about individual images—it's about sequence, juxtaposition, and rhythm. When you place two photos side by side, a narrative emerges. Change the order, and the story shifts. This project explores that fundamental truth through interaction.
Current Features
- Infinite scatter – Hundreds of images displayed in a randomized, endlessly scrolling grid
- Lightbox navigation – Click any image to enter full-screen viewing mode
- Smooth transitions – Shutter animation masks image loading for a cinematic feel
- Color palette extraction – Every image analyzed for dominant colors (coming soon)
- Sequential browsing – Navigate through the entire collection with keyboard or buttons
The Vision
This experiment is a prototype for something bigger: a platform where photographers can design photo books intuitively, before ever touching Adobe InDesign or Photoshop.
| Stage | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Browse and sequence existing portfolio images | ✅ Live |
| Phase 2 | Drag-and-drop reordering on a grid | 🚧 In Progress |
| Phase 3 | Upload your own photos and arrange them | 📋 Planned |
| Phase 4 | Export layouts as print-ready PDFs | 💭 Future |
Why This Matters
Most photo book tools force you into rigid templates. Professional design tools like InDesign require steep learning curves. This project sits in the middle—offering creative freedom without technical barriers.
Imagine designing a 40-page photo essay by simply arranging polaroids on a table, feeling the rhythm, seeing how colors interact, and only then moving to typesetting. That's the dream.
Technical Implementation
-
Reactfor state management and interactivity Framer Motionfor smooth animations-
Vibrant.jsfor color palette extraction (planned) Supabasefor image storage and metadataCanvas APIfor future drag-and-drop grid
This is still early-stage. Right now, it's a beautiful way to browse my photography portfolio—but the foundation is being built for something transformative.