Polaroid: The Complete Guide to Experimental Instant Photography

by Rhiannon Adam

Overview

An accessible and comprehensive how-to guide to expressive and experimental techniques and manipulation of Polaroid prints and cameras. 

Polaroid: The Complete Guide to Experimental Instant Photography is the go-to resource for all lovers of instant photography. Divided into two main parts, “Camera and Film Format Guide” and “Creative Techniques,” this unique reference offers a comprehensive introduction to instant photography, including a wide-ranging overview of instant cameras and compatible accessories and film; tips on what to buy and where to buy it; how to adapt equipment and preserve the life of your images; easy step- by-step guides to a wide range of image manipulations, accompanied by visual showcases of the work of the very best Polaroid photographers; and an extensive resources section, complete with a film compatibility guide, a list of stockists, and safety information.

Polaroid: The Complete Guide to Experimental Instant Photography provides photographers, art students, and vintage camera enthusiasts with the knowledge and skills to push the boundaries of what a Polaroid photograph can be. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780500296523
Publisher:	Thames & Hudson
Publication date:	06/07/2022
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Rhiannon Adam is an established Polaroid photographer and is a key figure in the instant photography community. She is an expert in the field, teaching workshops and short courses on Polaroid creative techniques. In 2019, she was named one of the winners of the Photographers’ Gallery’s inaugural New Talent Award, and her work was exhibited at the gallery.

Table of Contents

Author's Note 7

How to Use This Book 8

Quick Start Guide 10

Creative Techniques Film Compatibility Guide 11

Introduction 12

Part 1 Camera and Film Format Guide

Film Primer: Peel-apart Film 22

Polaroid Relics: The Roll Film Format 24

Peel-apart Film Cameras 26

How To: Drying and Storing Pack Film 40

Polaroid Relics: 20″×24″ Cameras 41

Film Primer: Integral Film 42

SX-70 Series Cameras 44

Polaroid Relics: Polavision 57

600 Integral Cameras 58

How To: Swapping Film in Integral Film Packs 64

Spectra Cameras 66

Instant Printers 72

Polaroid Relics: The Captiva/JoyCam 76

Polaroid Relics: Polaroid i-Zone 77

Fuji Instax/Other Instant Cameras 78

Impossible I-1 82

How To: Scanning 90

Part 2 Creative Techniques

Transparency/Dry Lift 96

Expired Polaroid Film 100

Long Exposures 104

Multiple Exposures 108

Cartridge Manipulations 114

Controlled Burn 124

Light Painting 126

Mosaics 130

Image Transfers 134

Emulsion Lifting 140

Emulsion Manipulation 150

Finger Painting 156

Scratching and Scoring 160

Polaroid Decay 162

Microwaved Polaroids 166

Polaroid Destruction 170

Fuji Negative Reclamation 174

Impossible Negative Reclamation 178

Negative Clearing 182

Polagrams 186

Cyanotypes 190

Experimental Painting 196

Hand Development 200

Roller Manipulation 202

Interrupted Processing 206

Colour Injection 210

Projection Printing 214

Collage and Mixed Media 218

Instant Film Compatibility Guide 224

Acknowledgments 230

Photo Acknowledgments 231

Selected Bibliography 232

List of Contnbutors 233

Stockists 234

Safety Information 235

Index 236

Editorial Reviews

"Impressively researched . . . very useful . . . will have wide appeal to a variety of image makers. "

Amateur Photographer

"A true snapshot of the instant film scene today. . . . [H]ighly recommended. "

Photographica World

★ 12/01/2017
Analog photographic processes are currently experiencing a bit of a revival. The invention of the Polaroid allowed photographers to see results within minutes, instead of waiting hours or days to have film developed and printed. Digital photography later eliminated that waiting period altogether. Polaroids can induce nostalgia in those of us old enough to remember their predigital use and offer a way for digital natives to investigate analog photography. A substantial portion of photographer Adam's guide lists types of instant cameras and their films, noting modern replacement models and which vintage types can still be applied. The remainder consists of detailed step-by-step Polaroid experimental processes and manipulations. VERDICT For photographers and fans of the medium, Adam offers a decoder ring for using instant cameras today.

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