Shake it Like a Polaroid Picture: The Top Polaroid Photography Tips - Print Peppermint

Shake it Like a Polaroid Picture: The Top Polaroid Photography Tips

Forget selfies and "doing it for the 'gram." Lately, the world is dusting off old-school Polaroid cameras instead. According to this research, sales for these instant cameras reached a 148 percent increase in the span of a year. You can relive this old-school trend for some retro-style fun, too. All it takes is a single snapshot and some photography know-how. Here are the five top tips for excellent Polaroid photography! That way, you can capture a moment in this old-school style yourself (no smartphones required).

1. Get Close Up

Your instant camera probably doesn't have a digital screen to tell you what the image will look like before you take it. For legendary Polaroid photos, manually "zoom" in. Get up close and personal for Polaroid photography that's all about the details. That way, you'll end up with a clear image that displays every detail within the frame. That goes for Polaroid camera selfies, too!

2. Keep it Cropped

The Polaroid camera upside is that you get images instantly. The downside, however, is that you can't digitally crop your images when needed. No worries! Just manually "crop" your images before you take them. Focus on the areas and detail you want within the frame. That includes everything from the little details to a big background. For the best Polaroid photography, keep your eye on the prize. Envision what's in front of you captured within a frame. That way, you won't have to worry about editing or cropping. You can just take the best possible Polaroid picture on the spot!

3. Chill Out

Since we're talking about going retro, why not use old-school Polaroid picture methods for your film, too? Refrigerating your film can help extend the film's life. While it might sound weird, it totally works! Just remember to take the film out of the refrigerator an hour before you snap those photos. That way, you can take crystal clear Polaroid photos that maintain every color after you snap the shot.

4. Light it Right

Whether you're using your smartphone or breaking out the old Polaroid camera, lighting can have a big impact on your photography. For your Polaroid photography, make sure you position your subject within the frame with the lighting balanced out. Since you can't adjust the lighting like you would when editing a digital photo, it's important to make sure the light doesn't block or wash out your subject beforehand. Take a look at professional photography to get some ideas. You can also give these posts a gander for awesome inspiration, too.

5. Keep it Composed

Don't forget to compose everything for the perfect Polaroid photography. Consider lines, textures, and how you're framing your subject. That way, you can capture everything within the frame without visual disruptions or distractions.

Shake It Like a Polaroid: 5 Tips for Stellar Polaroid Photography

Kick it old-school and get retro with it by using these five tips for stellar polaroid photography. That way, your Polaroid photos look their best without you wasting time on editing. While you're at it, check out these resources for more tips and tricks!
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