Carolyn J. Braden • 2 Minute Read
Why You Need Polaroid Camera Instant Photo Memories
My grandfather gifted me my very first camera. It was a 110 with a flash and I loved it. When I inherited his Polaroid Sun 600 (a 1980’s instant camera), I loved it too. I am still using it today and here is why I think you should start making Polaroid (or any instant photo brand) memories now.
My grandpa’s Polaroid I now use
My Love of Photography
Having my undergrad degree in Photography, I love taking photos and I still have all my grandpa’s cameras still. Both my grandpas loved photography so it’s no wonder I fell in love with it too.
The Polaroid is actually in many people’s hearts and memories as when people in restaurants saw us getting our picture taken with it on my birthday (the waitstaff was ALWAYS on board with using it…some will need a lesson as it’s definitely not something everyone grew up with like me), they smiled so big at us. It sparked joy in many minds, and I love sparking joy.
I most recently used this on my birthday and captured great memories!
Digital vs. Printed Photos
I love the age of digital photography. It allows for less waste, making it very economical. Having a photo to share digitally and instantly is a wonderful thing to have in our lives now. I also like some printed photos. Printing your favorite digital images is also fun to have great memories around the house. I like seeing them on my Amazon Echo Show screens too.
I love my Polaroid frame!
What is a Polaroid?
A Polaroid is a camera that gives you instant printed photos that are frameable. It has a viewfinder that you look into and then push a button to take a photo. The photo pops out the front of the camera and then you wait for it to “develop” or be seen on the photo paper.
In need of a fun digital photo that can be taken in the sand or snow? Check out my heart photo tutorial in the 1-minute video below or via our YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
You can capture a memory several times, taking a new photo with each click and sharing them at that moment with friends and family to take home. I think a Polaroid would be a fun thing to have at wedding receptions and special events for guests to use. The photo (and frame if the budget fits) could be their wedding favor! Here’s a way to set this idea up for a guest book from Brides.com. There are other brands of instant cameras on the market and you can learn about them below in this article.
My Polaroid frame has storage in the back
My Vintage Camera
I took my grandpa’s Polaroid Sun 600 on my birthday vacation in 2025 to start a new tradition of capturing special moments with my vintage camera. Yes, they still make the film for it (black and white and color) and you can get it on Amazon (see below).
While my camera is vintage, you can get new Polaroids and film (and other brands of instant cameras, which I’ve used and are great too) on Amazon:
Polaroid Originals, Color Film (600), 8 photos, $19.37 Amazon
Polaroid 600 Square Black One Step Camera (similar to mine), $129.49 Amazon
Polaroid Now 2nd Generation I-Type Camera and Film Bundle, $112.99 Amazon
Fujifilm INSTAX Mini Camera Bundle, $129.00 Amazon
I love this camera!
There are many Polaroid photo frames out there, but I bought a specific magnetized frame version ($13, Amazon) that also stores photos so you know where they are when you want to change out the memory. It holds up to 50 photos, and if you fill it up, you can get a Polaroid photo storage box.
Have any instant camera memories? Tell us in the comments below!
If you loved this article, then we know you’ll love this one too: How to Take a Sand or Snow Heart Photo
Carolyn J. Braden is the owner of Carolyn’s Blooming Creations is a regular contributor and editor for CBC. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.