Digital Polaroid Effects
The Polaroid instant camera is one of the most beloved icons of vintage photography. With the advent of digital cameras, however, its popularity has waned so much that in 2010, Polaroid instant cameras and film will be available only in special limited editions. If you don't have a Polaroid camera, or if you want to recreate the look of a Polaroid shot in one of your existing digital photos, you can do it with a little computer magic.
Several online services and software programs are available to make your digital photos into retro-looking Polaroids, complete with light streaks and the classic white frame. Check out some of these options and choose the one that works best for you.
Rollip
Rollip is a free web application that offers 40 filters with different text and Polaroid effects. You can download your photo, print it, or use the provided URL to send your creation via email. Available at rollip.com.
Instantizer
Instantizer is a quick-and-dirty application that frames your digital photo Polaroid-style and allows you to add a description, which appears in a handwriting-style font written on the white frame. The photo itself, however, doesn't have any of those cool light leaks and streaks of classic Polaroids. A provided link to the new photo is valid for only 24 hours. Available at instantizer.com.
Pola
A free piece of downloadable software, Pola offers drag-and-drop functionality, the classic white frame, and the cool vintage lighting effects of the original Polaroid. Available at manuelbarzi.com/pola.
Poladroid
Also free, Poladroid works in a similar manner as Pola but the interface is more fun: drag your digital photo onto the large Polaroid camera-shaped icon on your desktop and hear the familiar buzzing and clicking of a Polaroid camera as your new photo pops out. "Shake" the photo with your mouse and it will develop faster. Available at poladroid.net.
CameraBag
Download the CameraBag digital photo lab and gain access to ten filters, including the Instant filter (the equivalent of a Polaroid shot). You can also apply multiple filters, reprocess, and customize to suit your artistic eye. The downloadable software costs $19 and is available for both Mac and PC at nevercenter.com/camerabag.
Tags: digital photo, white frame, your digital, application that, classic white, classic white frame, digital photos
