Each instant camera has its own unique take on its form factor, film size, and color science.

Here are our top tips for getting the best photos possible out of your new Polaroid.

Any closer than that, and your subject may be out of focus.

Gboard’s editing mode on an Android phone.

This is the general rule for Polaroid cameras, but newer models are a little easier to use.

The Polaroid OneStep+, for example, has two lenses to choose from: portrait and landscape.

Shooting towards the sun can actually make for some very cool photos during sunset or sunrise.

Instant Camera App on iPhone Taking a Photo

As long as you are also very still when taking the photo, your picture will be focused beautifully.

That’s a lot of money, but it makes you think more creatively while taking each shot.

Think about where to position your subject.

black polaroid spirit instant camera

Would a high or low angle look better?

Maybe shooting through some nearby flowers would make for an interesting foreground.

Shoot your model against some flowers that go well with their outfit.

girl shooting black polaroid camera indoors against blue purple background

Experiment with shooting through branches or placing a colorful leaf slightly in-frame for a unique depth of field.

Here are a fewsimple genres of photography you’ve got the option to trywith your instant camera.

In most cases, keep flash on and shoot away from the sun.

polaroid photos scattered on table of multiple portraits

Shooting in harsh sunlightcan still be challenging, so we gathered some tips that should help.

With a Polaroid camera, there’s a bit more guessing that needs to be done.

This will take a bit of trial and error before you’re used to it.

iphone taking photo of polaroid picture in park

Enjoy your instant cameras and happy shooting!

white polaroid onestep 2 sitting next to color i-type film and black and white

polaroid photos of beach outdoors lots of light

black polaroid onestep plus showing where viewfinder is left of lens