Polaroid portraits
Polaroid Portrait Tips
Polaroid portraits have been around for decades and remain a popular form of photography. The instant gratification of holding a physical print in your hands immediately after taking the picture is one of the reasons why many people still love this medium. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and techniques for capturing stunning Polaroid portraits.
Choose the right camera
The first step to taking great Polaroid portraits is choosing the right camera. There are a variety of Polaroid cameras on the market, so it's important to select one that suits your needs. Consider factors such as size, ease of use, and available features. Some of the most popular models include the Polaroid OneStep 2 and the Fujifilm Instax Mini. Personally, i use vintage ones. The biggest issue been you have to test them yourself to make sure that they actually work and what imperfections they will produce. The imperfections themselves are something i like to lean into , and embrace. They use polaroid 600/660 film which is easily available online through amazon and they even sell single and multi packs at Target and Best Buy.
As a caveat , i tend to have a bad time with the land cameras that look like the instagram logo. they take a different type of film ( sx70) when they work they look amazing, but i must be on a streak of bad luck with them is all.
2. Consider lighting
Lighting is crucial when it comes to taking great Polaroid portraits. Ideally, you want to shoot in natural light, either outside or near a window. If you're shooting indoors, try to position your subject near a window and use a reflector to bounce light onto their face. Using flash can be super interesting and give you a washed out look that 100 percent has a purpose and place. I like the creamy light that you can get from windows on polaroid, and tend to set the camera to darken the picture when and if i can. Like all guides, its just that its not a rule that cannot be broken. find a style that you like and go for it.
3. Choose your subject carefully
Polaroid portraits work best when you have an interesting subject. Whether it's a friend, family member, or stranger on the street, choose someone with a unique look or personality that you want to capture. If you're taking photos of friends or family, try to capture candid moments that showcase their personality. This is true of all portraits , to be fair. For some reason though people definitely seem to pose/ give you more time to shoot with Polaroids, but they will want to see it straight away.
4. Experiment with composition
Composition is an important part of any photo, and Polaroid portraits are no exception. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to create visually interesting photos. You can try shooting from above, below, or even from behind your subject. Don't be afraid to get creative! What ive found is once you taken the shot, put it to one side and forget about it until the end of the shoot. Again, personal preference , and experiences. I have found that the true polaroid doesnt seem to fix until about a day after, not the 15 minutes it used to be. This might be because im using older cameras and its not hitting the emulsions used on the new polaroid film.
5. Get up close and personal…….or dont!
One of the benefits of Polaroid portraits is that they allow you to capture intimate moments up close. Try getting close to your subject and filling the frame with their face. This will help create a sense of intimacy and showcase the details of their features. There is also much to be said for pulling all the way back and creating room for the subject to occupy. Again, this is a creative choice, trial and error. Create a style and then break those limitations whenver you feel like it.
6. Embrace imperfection
Finally, it's important to remember that Polaroid portraits are not meant to be perfect. Part of their charm is their imperfections, such as the slightly washed-out colors or the occasional blur. Embrace these imperfections and don't be afraid to experiment with different settings to create unique photos.
In conclusion, Polaroid portraits are a fun and unique way to capture stunning images. With the right camera, lighting, and composition, you can create beautiful photos that showcase your subject's personality and charm. So grab your camera and start shooting!
