10 Tips on Taking Great Shots with your Polaroid
Instant film cameras may have been left behind by many in the digital age, but they still have a loyal and growing following. These cameras are becoming more popular for a few reasons. For one, instant film cameras provide the satisfaction of having a picture in hand that can be shared and enjoyed right after it is taken. There is also the uniqueness factor: Take a picture with an instant film camera, and it is the only one of its kind. It can be scanned and reprinted, but there will only be one copy of that 4-inch by 5-inch original.
Vintage instant film cameras are popular on the resale market, and new instant film cameras are still manufactured by a couple of big companies. Vintage cameras are found online, and in resale and pawn shops. These cameras are also great finds that turn up unexpectedly at garage sales and swap meets. Packages of instant camera filmsometimes surface in these same locations. Be aware that photographic film has an expiration date, so buying old film could be a waste of money. Some manufacturers still make new film for vintage cameras.
Good places to find new film and new instant film cameras include online, specialty camera shops, and many retail stores that sell digital cameras and other electronic equipment.
Once that camera is in hand, the challenge is to take great pictures. Unlike digital cameras, with which taking an endless number of pictures will not waste film, every picture taken with an instant camera has a price. The cost factor for photographic film alone makes getting shots right the first time very important. This guide provides 10 tips for taking great shots with an instant film camera.
10 Tips on Taking Great Camera Shots
Making sure the film is ready to take great pictures requires some preparation. A pack of film that has been mishandled cannot produce great pictures, no matter how the pictures are taken. Each film pack is marked with an expiration date. Do not expect expired film to produce quality pictures. Store unopened film packs in the fridge, or at 41°F to 50°F (5 to 10°C). Never freeze them or leave them in bright sunlight or heat. Before shooting, allow the film to adjust to room temperature for at least one hour. Once the film is ready, it is time to take pictures.
Tip 1: Take Practice Shots
Get to know the instant film camera before taking any shots. Some camera film is made specifically for one type of camera, and even film made by different manufacturers will behave differently in the same camera. Particularly if a camera is unfamiliar to the user, always take practice shots.
Tip 2: Adjust Film Exposure
Instant film cameras do not have standard settings. Optimal exposure settings depend on the type of film (including color film versus black-and-white film), lighting conditions, and the light sensitivity of the film. For example, some film is very sensitive to bright light. To avoid overexposed images, the lighten/darken wheel should be adjusted to the darkest setting.
The manufacturer’s recommended film exposure settings can be found in the camera’s operating instructions. If instructions did not come with the camera, they might be available online.
Tip 3: Give Film Enough Time to Process
Give the picture plenty of time to process and dry without handling it. Drying time has a significant effect on picture quality. If it is not the type of film with a protective cover that has to be peeled away, keep the picture covered with a piece of paper, or turn it upside down and leave it alone.
Drying time will vary by camera model. The general rule is the older the camera, the longer it will take to dry the images. Pictures taken with the newest cameras should take about four minutes to dry. Photos produced by older cameras could take anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes to develop.
Never wave developing film to try to dry it or to adjust its temperature. This does not affect its drying time and could adversely affect image quality.
If spots or other anomalies are present in the picture, they will probably disappear after 24 hours of drying time. Image quality could even change days after being taken.
Tip 4: Do Not Pull the Film at an Angle
Always pull film tabs out of the holder in a straight and even motion. Pull the film parallel to the back of the camera. Avoid holding the camera in positions that might interfere with pulling the film out of the camera. A crooked pull can result in pictures with missing corners, streaks, or marks.
Tip 5: Pull the Film Out at a Moderate Speed
Exposed film should be pulled from the camera at a steady and moderate speed. Pulling too quickly can cause white specks in the images. Pulling too slowly or stopping or hesitating during the pull can cause streaks.
Tip 6: The Film Tab Is Important
Pull the white tab all the way out of the camera. The long, rectangular area that appears on the film is an impression made by the tab. In order for the image to process properly, the tab needs to be removed from the surface of the picture.
Tip 7: Prevent Exposure to Light
When the camera ejects the picture, immediately shield it from light. Even covering it with a hand or turning it upside down will provide decent protection. The first few seconds of developing are the most important. Always store pictures in conditions with minimal light exposure.
Tip 8: Avoid Exposure to Extreme Temperatures
Instant camera film is very sensitive to temperature. A moderate room temperature of 63 to 75°F (17 to 24°C) is optimal for developing instant camera pictures. In extreme cold (50°F and below), images will quickly lighten to almost white tones, and erase most contrast. In extreme heat (80°F and above), images will quickly darken, and the contrast will change to reddish, orange, and yellowish shades.
When shooting in extreme temperatures, putting images in a pocket to warm them up or keeping them in the shade to cool them down will help.
Tip 9: Be Careful with Long-Term Storage
Pictures taken with instant film require more care than any other type of photo. Place them in seamless envelopes or sleeves made of acid-free paper, cellulose acetate, or polyethylene. Do not store them in glassine envelopes, PVC plastic, black photo album paper, brown kraft paper, or cardboard.
Control humidity conditions by storing pictures in airtight containers. A drying agent like silica gel will help with long-term moisture control. Even salt or desiccant will work.
Tip 10: Keep Camera Parts Clean
Keep the processing rollers in the camera and film holder clean. Rollers with dirt stuck to them can cause spots or streaks. Inspect and clean rollers regularly. They will work best if they are cleaned before each pack of film is loaded into the camera. At a minimum, they should be cleaned between every three-to-five rolls of film. Clean with a soft cloth moistened with water. Dry the rollers completely before loading the film. Do not use alcohol or a cleaning fluid. Never scrape the rollers with a hard object like a pair of tweezers or a fingernail. Regularly clean the tab slot on the camera or film holder with a damp cloth or cotton swab.
