Despite technology: Polaroid photos are a tourist attraction

Taking photos with a Polaroid camera (the picture develops after being taken) on the streets of Sarajevo is punishable because amateur photographers trying to make a living this way do not have permits for this type of activity, writes the BH News Agency Patria.

So, if police officers catch you working with this camera in Sarajevo's Baščaršija, where there is the highest traffic of tourists and visitors, you will pay a fine of 500 KM.

One of Sarajevo's photographers told NAP that he already has two fines of 500 KM each, because the police caught him taking pictures of tourists near Sebilj in Baščaršija and charging them for the photos.

- The state gets no benefit from us, and that's why it prohibits us from working – said this photographer, who wished to remain anonymous.

- One photo costs 2 KM. My costs are 0.70 KM. So, we are working on a minimal profit, but regardless of that, it is not allowed – he added.

Modern digital cameras, and especially mobile phones and tablets with cameras, have almost pushed Polaroids out of use. However, the Sarajevo photographer says that there are still tourists, more locals than foreigners, who like to get a finished photo immediately.

- This is especially the case when grandmothers and grandfathers walk through Baščaršija with their grandchildren – states this photographer.