The Instant Photograph
Instant photography first gained its popularity in the ’40s when it totally revolutionised photography. Polaroid invented the first camera to develop the photo right before your eyes just seconds after the image is captured. For decades, people across the globe have used and cherished their instant cameras to capture memories.
When the digital age started to approach in the ‘90s, instant photography slowly lost its popularity. It’s only been in the last decade or so that the instant photograph has had a large resurgence for both amateur and professional photographers.
Polaroid and Fujifilm have both released really strong ranges in recent years with high quality and modern products but still have that iconic aesthetic. Discover the differences between Polaroid vs Instax and with our tips and tricks, you can capture the perfect instant photograph every time!
Our Top Tips For Polaroid and Instax Photography:
- Use natural light
- Plan your composition
- Keep your distance
- Store the photos away from the sun
- Get creative with frames, filters and stickers to make your prints personalised!
Read more detail about our top tips for polaroid and Instax photography below. Instant photography is a fun and creative way to capture memories that anyone can enjoy.
Use Natural Light
Polaroid and Instax cameras have an automatic flash which can result in a washed-out image. For best results, natural lighting will help balance contrast to create a clear image with subject definition. Lighting is something great to experiment with, as once you get a better understanding of how the camera and flash works you can still take great images with indoor lighting or at night time.
Plan Your Composition
Most Polaroid and Instax cameras are essentially a point and shoot model with little room to adjust the settings. Get the most out of your image by shooting from different angles or vantage points to create unique shots. Experiment with what works best with your instant camera so you know how to get a crisp and vibrant image every shot.
Keep Your Distance
The focal length on Polaroid and Instax cameras tends to be around 30cm to 60cm. To get a clear and focused image it’s important to keep the camera at least this far away from the subject when taking the shot. If the camera is too close this can result in blurry or dark images.
Store The Photos Away From The Sun
Polaroids or Instax photos can fade if they are in the sun for too long, impacting the colours and quality of your image. To prolong the images, add them to a photo album or display them away from direct sunlight. The film should always be stored between 4 – 18°C to keep it in prime condition.
Get Creative!
Experiment with different ways to use your Polaroid or Instax Camera. Some films allows you to create a double exposure which is the unique combination of two images on one film. There’s also a range of fun and colourful patterned film to frame your photographs from Polaroid or Fujifilm. You could even experiment with paint or stickers over your photos to create unique looking images!
The Best Instant Photography Cameras and Accessories
Out top picks for instant photography include:
- FujiFilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
- Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Camera
- Polaroid Originals OneStep+ i-Type Camera - Black
- Polaroid 600 Colour - Instant Film
- Fujifilm Instax Mini - Shiny Star Instant Film
FujiFilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
A modern approach to the classic instant camera, the FujiFilm Instax Mini 11 is a sleek camera that takes credit card-sized film. With automatic exposure, you no longer need to manually adjust the settings for different lighting conditions. The built-in flash is great for working in low-light conditions. With close-up shooting capabilities, the 60mm f12.8 lens is designed to shoot from 11.8”. With Selfie Mode you can extend the lens barrel to focus at just 11.8" to 19.7" and use the built-in mirror to capture the perfect selfie.
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 Instant Camera
The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 takes instant photographs in colour which are tactile, long-lasting and unique. The film is twice as wide as the Instax Mini Film and can capture a wider range. With an automatic flash for low-level shooting, a tripod socket and two-range motor-driven focusing to capture crisp images for you to cherish forever.
Polaroid Originals OneStep+ i-Type Camera - Black
Capture beautiful instant photos anytime and anywhere you go using the Polaroid Originals OneStep+ i-Type Camera - Black. It offers simplicity in design and very easy to use. This camera features bluetooth compatibility and built-in flash. The OneStep+ provide a fixed 106mm lens for comfortable field viewing. This amazing camera has built-in 1100mAh lithium-ion battery and includes a neck strap.
You'll love the classic yet modernised design and simple to use features.
Polaroid 600 Colour - Instant Film
Make the most out of your Polaroid 600 and i-Type Cameras by always having film on hand to capture memories around you. Polaroid 600 colour offers the classic white frame to write and record the dates or events on the images. The image area of the film measures 3.1 x 3.1".
Fujifilm Instax Mini - Shiny Star Instant Film
For a fun way to enhance your Polaroids, explore coloured and patterned film borders! The Shiny Star instax film by Fujifilm is suitable for any Fujifilm Mini model. With a rainbow of colours to choose from, you’ll take fun and unique shots with every photograph!
Shop Polaroid & Instax Photography
There are endless possibilities when it comes to Polaroid and Instax cameras and film! Experiment with this classic form of photography and capture memorable moments.
Take advantage of Camera House’s knowledgeable staff in-store and online and ask them which Polaroid and Instax Camera is right for you! Check out our shipping information online and enjoy flat-rate delivery Australia-wide, or check out our store locator to visit a Camera House store near you.
Discover All Things Photography at Camera House
Camera House is your destination for the best quality cameras, lenses and accessories. Discover our huge range online and in-store. Check out the Camera House blog for more helpful articles on how to make the most of your photography. Read more below:
Polaroid or Fujifilm Instax: Which is the Best Instant Camera for Me?
6 Ways to Use Your Instant Camera Prints
3 Quick and Easy Ways to Print Photos at Home
15 Essential Photography Terms and Definitions to Master
What Cameras Do Professional Photographers Use?
Looking for the Best Camera for Landscape Photography? Here Are Our Top 7 Picks.
