Have you seen those tiny, rectangular Polaroid pictures on your Instagram feed lately? That's right folks, Polaroid cameras are making a comeback. I have been a Polaroid camera user (specifically a Polaroid PIC-300 Instant Film Camera) for almost 2 years now, and I am absolutely obsessed with it. The satisfaction of being able to instantly obtain photos and look at them is a feeling unlike any other. Although I am in love with my purple Polaroid camera, I can assure you there have been times where I felt like the money I had spent on film was being wasted. If you own a modern Polaroid camera, maybe you have experienced some of the troubles I have listed below.
1. The batteries die when you need the camera most.
The blinking red lights of death. You feel like you just put a new set of batteries in there, are they dead already?
2. Do you really need more film? It's kind of expensive.
Every time you walk into Target, Urban Outfitters, or wherever you shop for the film, you hesitate briefly. You buy it anyway.
3. People always want to take a picture with the camera.
Without fail someone will take one glance at your Polaroid camera and get overly excited. "Can I try it?" You want to say no, but the good person inside of you allows them to.
4. People always want you to take a picture of them on the camera.
Might as well... if not, they will just keep pestering you about it.
5. You forget to change the setting from "inside" after proceeding to take a picture.
The "inside" setting is the first option on the camera, so if you do not switch it on the dial if you change locations you might be bummed with your results.
6. You realize the environment was either too dark/light once the Polaroid develops.
Sometimes it is just a guessing game on whether or not the lighting will be appropriate for your Polaroid. The more light (in most cases), the better. You will come to realize this as you take them more frequently.
7. There's always the constant fear of dropping the camera.
If you don't wear that wrist strap or have a case for it, be prepared for it to gain a couple "battle scars" from its use.
8. "Shake the Polaroid!" they all tell you.
No. No. NO. Despite the result shaking a Polaroid might have given you back in the day, or the lyrics "shake it like a Polaroid picture" in OutKast's hit "Hey Ya!", it is deemed unnecessary with the advanced technology in the more modern polaroid film.
Overall, this camera is a fun and trendy way to capture memorable moments among friends. The pictures make great wall decor and they even make photo albums for them. Once you get used to all the logistics of the camera, expect great results! I am definitely pleased with mine.
