There’s no denying that we now live in a digital era but in my opinion, some things are best kept old school. I am one of those people who would prefer to carry a ton of books around than buy a kindle, nothing quite like the real thing. Likewise with photography, don’t get me wrong, I have a DSLR and do most of my things digitally now, but the nostalgia of instant photography is too hard to resist.
After the demise of Polaroid in 2008, instant cameras became redundant and were relegated to the dark corners of cupboards and attics and quickly started gathering dust until the came along and started to rebuild the empire that Polaroid left behind by buying the last remaining factory. The machines were in pieces and with no formulas to be found, the project seemed nearly impossible (pun intended). They rejuvenated Polaroid from scratch and now, alongside Fujifilm and their ‘’ range, it’s easier than ever to get into this new era of instant photography.
Buying an instant camera
It can seem a little mundane but before buying a camera, make sure you do your research. Know what you want. (my preferred choice) will create softer colours and that great vintage look but can be temperamental, whereas the more modern will give you crisper, clearer images and are more reliable. There are plenty to choose from and absolutely anyone can channel their inner analogue and get into instant photography whether you are a beginner or expert, and if you’re willing to spend some time digging around thrift stores you can find some absolute bargains! If that’s not your scene then you can find some second hand ones pretty cheap on eBay too. Be wary that if you’re buying online the cameras might not always work. For a sure bet you can get with a warranty but these will cost you.
Tips and tricks
Make sure you know your camera (read the instructions!) before you dive straight in, funnily enough it isn’t at all like shooting digital, there is no delete option if it goes wrong so take your time before capturing the shot. Really thinking about the light, composition etc. before taking your picture will help you learn and will also improve your digital photography in the long run.
Get out the house! Natural light is your best tool so use it, and if you’re serious about getting great images then make sure you get yourself a , or if you’re on a bit more of a budget, a These are incredibly useful for getting an accurate exposure, and learning how the light affects different aspects of the images. Once you’ve got the hang of them you will notice a difference in your images, make less mistakes, and spend less money on film.
Think about the contrast, especially if you’re into portraiture. If you’re using a white or neutral background then put the model in something dark or brightly coloured to make the image pop.
For more tips there are plenty of , and blog posts out there to help you on your way.
Stock photography
It’s no surprise that your instant photographs can’t be used as modern stock imagery but this doesn’t mean you can’t relate it to your digital images. Instant-style Instagram-esque images are in demand right now so check out this lightbox for inspiration.
If you, like me, enjoy the magic of watching a photo develop before your very eyes and have your own tips then let us know in the comments below.