Monday, March 02, 2009

A Digital Polaroid

Is anyone still using a Polaroid camera? I have one somewhere, as well as an Izone, but it’s getting harder and harder to find film for these instant cameras. If you work with Photoshop and want an effect that simulates the look of a Polaroid frame, you can download the one I used for my pigeon at Action Central. It’s called Andrea's Polaroid 89 Border and mimics the look of peel-apart film. The file actually comes in layers so you can slide your own picture in as I did here. Most of the freebies on this site involve actions, a Photoshop technique that allows you to automate certain tasks you do regularly. But you don’t have to know anything about them to use this particular frame. Just download and enjoy!

8 comments:

nancy said...

Hey Susan, i have a day lab, which takes 669 polaroid film. i've used it for transfers and emulsions. i have 2 packs of film left and saving them for something special!
I love your use of the
polaroid frame,
what font did you use?
i downloaded the frame last year and then forot i has it, thanks for reminding me!
nancy

Ginger said...

Love how you used the frame on the pigeon and the wood wonderful mix!

me again said...

great site ... instant bookmark! :-)

Sharon said...

I bought a polaroid on ebay for Michael de Meng's class and the film is horribly expensive. All kinds of film on ebay but I think Henry's must have some. Now, I bet you didn't know that I am part of the Toronto Pigeon Rescue (maybe the only member). There's a huge roost behind the Shoppers Drug Mart sign and they swoop down to the sidewalk in search of a meal. Mostly there are only cigarette butts and this bothers me terribly. So I always carry the high class bird seed from Pet Value to scatter as I walk past.

emikk said...

The last time I used my Polaroid was about 2 years ago. I kind of miss it because they kind of became their own kind of photography. That's my theory anyway. But that it can be simulated in photo shop is great.

I am getting photoshop installed in my new imac. I don't know how to use it..guess I have a huge learning curve ahead me being I am having a tough time even mastering microsoft "paint"

Anonymous said...

Hi Susan,

I'm still using my Polaroid Ultra Camera and have had no issues with finding film!

I’ve been getting my supply from www.adessoalbums.com, who is currently offering a “buy two, get the third FREE” sale on Polaroid 600 film.

They also have Polaroid cameras and photo albums that are specifically designed to fit Polaroid pictures.

azirca said...

This is great Susan.
I love Polaroids, I have a camera that my Dad gave me but don't use it much as the film is expensive and quite hard to get.
Have you heard of the software that re-creates the look of a Polaroid? I use it all of the time, it's so simple and they have versions for both Mac and PC.
Here is the link...
http://www.poladroid.net/
Have fun!

A bird in the hand said...

Thank you, Susan! I had a lot of fun with this. I tried Andrea's vintage background too...