In an Instant Documentary

Joshua Sariñana, PhD, contributes his expertise in neuroscience and photography to the documentary In an Instant, which examines the evolving role of photography in memory and identity. Sariñana discusses how the overwhelming volume of digital images challenges our ability to process and retain memories, as the act of capturing and viewing photographs becomes increasingly disconnected. Drawing parallels between analog and digital photography, he highlights how physical media, like Polaroid film, fosters a tactile and emotional connection that modern digital platforms often lack.

The documentary also explores how altering photographs—whether through cropping, color changes, or digital manipulation—affects memory. Sariñana emphasizes the power of photography as an externalized extension of self, and the importance of tangibility in preserving meaningful connections to our experiences.