What is a Polaroid style Print
A Polaroid style print refers to a type of instant photograph that mimics the classic look and feel of Polaroid photos, which were popularized by Polaroid Corporation in the mid-20th century. These prints are characterized by their distinctive white borders and square format, typically measuring around 4 x 5 inches, with the image area being slightly smaller.
Instant Photography
Polaroid prints or Instax Prints are known for their instant development, allowing users to take a photo and have a physical print in hand within minutes. While traditional Polaroid cameras use self-developing film, modern Polaroid-style prints can also be created digitally and printed by specialist print labs such as the team here at River & Coast.
One of the most recognizable features of Polaroid prints is the thick white border surrounding the image. This border often includes space for handwritten notes or dates, adding a personal touch to the photo.
Square Format
Polaroid prints typically have a square aspect ratio, which gives them a unique and nostalgic appearance compared to standard rectangular photographs. Polaroid prints often have a softer focus and a distinct colour palette, which can evoke a vintage or retro feel. This aesthetic is often sought after in photography for its artistic qualities and can be replicated in programs such as Adobe Photoshop Express, Canva or within the Instagram app.
Creative Use
Many people use Polaroid style prints for scrapbooking, art projects, or as decorative elements in home décor – there are so many possibilities. They can also be used in social media and digital applications to create a nostalgic vibe.
Overall, Polaroid style prints capture the charm of instant photography while allowing for creative expression and personalization. Whether using an original Polaroid camera or digital tools to replicate the style, these prints continue to be popular for their unique look and feel.
What is a Retro Print?
A Retro print can encompass a broader range of styles and formats that evoke a sense of nostalgia, but it is not limited to instant photography. Retro prints may include various photographic techniques, filters, or editing styles that mimic the look of older photographs, such as faded colours’, graininess, or specific colour palettes reminiscent of past decades. Retro prints can be produced digitally or through traditional film methods and may not necessarily have the instant development feature of Polaroid prints.
A retro style photographic print refers to images that are designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia or mimic the aesthetic qualities of photographs from past decades. This style can include various characteristics such as:
1. Colour Palette: Retro prints often feature muted or faded colours, reminiscent of older film types. This can include sepia tones, pastel colours, or high-contrast black and white.
2. Grain and Texture: Many retro prints incorporate graininess or texture to replicate the look of vintage film photography, giving the image a more organic and less polished appearance.
3. Framing and Composition: Retro prints may use specific framing techniques or compositions that were popular in earlier eras, such as vignetting or soft focus.
4. Editing Techniques: Digital retro prints can utilize filters and editing software to achieve a vintage look, simulating the effects of older cameras and film.
5. Subject Matter: The subjects of retro prints often reflect themes, styles, or cultural elements from the past, such as vintage fashion, classic cars, or nostalgic scenes.
Overall, Polaroid Style Prints or Retro style photographic prints aim to capture the essence of earlier photographic styles, creating a timeless quality that appeals to those who appreciate vintage aesthetics. See what you can create, order your first prints today and get creative!
