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7 Instant Film Tricks

Instant film photography introduces on-the-spot glee and excitement to your clients, tapping into nostalgia and appreciation for the art that is photography. In recent years I’ve started incorporating Polaroid photography into all my sessions. It’s a relatively low-cost medium with a big emotional payoff. 

Instant film has been around for ages, but it can be a finicky medium. I’ve learned many lessons—sometimes the hard way—along my journey. These tips and tricks will help you make the most of the Polaroid experience for yourself and those in front of your camera.

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1. Go to the Light

This type of photography does best in well-lit areas. Your greatest results will be in full sun, but you can still capture a good image in less light. Some modern instant film cameras have settings for indoor use, shade, or partial sun. Even a few of the vintage models offer slight exposure compensation dials. If you plan on doing most of your photography indoors, opt for a camera that offers those additional settings.

Be conscious of your light source. If you backlight your subject, you can expect a nice silhouette most of the time. If you want to keep the subject entirely visible, have them facing the sun or your light source. When in doubt, use your flash. Keep in mind that the flash fall-off is quick. Get close if you know your subject needs to be lit. A distance around 3 to 5 feet will allow the light to reach your subject without entirely blowing them out.

2. Shield Developing Film

Yes, the song says shake it like a Polaroid picture, but don’t do that. Instant film can be extremely sensitive to light, so leave the print alone and stow it in a dark place immediately after it ejects so that it can develop evenly and correctly. Some camera models have a built-in film shield that jackets the photo when it first exits the camera, or you may be able to buy one to install yourself. Otherwise stow the photo in a loose pocket, face down on a flat surface, or better yet, inside a shoebox or similar container.

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3. Understand the Camera

Typically, instant film cameras have a set focus and lens. Sometimes moving a certain distance from your subject will change the focus depth to match your intentions. Knowing the specifics of your camera will help you better execute your vision. Part of the joy of instant film photography is that you have to find your creativity within the limitations set by the camera.

4. Learn to Change Out Packs

It’s possible to change out some film packs mid-use when, for example, you’re using color film but want to change to black-and-white. Get a darkroom bag, which is a light-proof bag used for changing film anywhere, and save a dark slide—the cover that ejects after you first load a new pack of film into your camera—and keep it handy. Place the entire camera in the darkroom bag to start the process. Inside the bag, use the dark slide to cover your remaining film images in the film cartridge by placing it back over the top. Practice placing the dark slide into an empty film cartridge outside of the bag a few times until you feel confident you can do it inside the bag.

5. Don’t Trust the Viewfinder

Instant film cameras tend to have viewfinders that are essentially just you looking straight through them at the subject instead of a mirrored design that sees through the lens. They’re usually above the lens and off to the side, making the viewfinder’s perspective offset from that of your lens. Keep this in mind while framing your image. The closer you are to your subject, the bigger difference you’ll notice if you don’t compensate. If your viewfinder sits above and to the left of the lens, offset your composition slightly up and left. This is a trial-and-error process, so it’s better to under-correct while learning your camera.

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6. Factor in Temperature

Temperature plays a big role in how the film develops and keeps. Store film in a dry and cool place. It’s OK to store sealed film in the fridge as long as you lay it flat. This keeps the chemistry steady and at its production level of quality. Note the expiration date, and try to use it within the intended time frame. Temperature also matters in use. Instant film tends to operate best in moderate temps, about 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s colder you may notice a green/cyan tint to your images and in hotter temperatures, a red/orange tint. To combat colder temperatures, hold the ejected photo close to your person to utilize your body heat. In hotter conditions, consider bringing along an insulated bag that has been kept in a cool place.

7. Be Intentional

Film packs typically carry eight or 10 exposures, but it’s more than enough for a typical session. The beauty and allure of film is the challenge to anticipate and choose a moment rather than clicking away nonstop.

These tips should get your wheels turning and help you prepare to add instant film photography to your mix. Fully read the manual for your instant film camera to get familiar with its specific functionality, and embrace the happy accidents. 

Loreal Byers owns Heartstring Heirlooms in Indianapolis, Indiana.