Stop guessing with filters. Learn the secrets behind the "vintage look" and how to recreate it perfectly every time using Polaroid Booth.
Before we start editing, we need to understand what makes a photo look "vintage" or "aesthetic". It usually comes down to three main elements:
Old film stock didn't capture colors perfectly accurately. It often leaned towards warm tones (yellows and oranges) or cool tones (blues and greens). To mimic this, we often reduce the specific saturation of bright neon colors and boost the warmth.
Digital cameras are incredibly sharp. Film was not. Adding a subtle blur or "soft focus" removes the harsh digital edge. Grain (or noise) adds texture, making the photo feel tangible and real.
The context matters. A photo inside a Polaroid frame instantly tells a story of nostalgia. The white border isolates the image, making the colors pop.
Here is how to take a standard phone photo and turn it into a masterpiece using our tool:
Lighting is key. Photos taken in natural light (near a window or outside) edit much better than those with artificial yellow indoor lights. Look for photos with good contrast.
Decide the purpose. Is this for Instagram Stories? Choose the Photostrip. Is it for a physical wall? Go with the Classic Polaroid.
In the Polaroid Booth editor, select the "1990s" filter. This is our most versatile preset. It slightly desaturates the image and adds a warm, nostalgic tint.
Don't leave the frame empty. Add a piece of digital Washi Tape to the corner. This "imperfect" element makes the digital image feel like a scanned physical scrapbook page.
Once you've downloaded your creation, you might want to print it.
For the most authentic look, print on Glossy Photo Paper. The shine mimics real instant film. If you want a more "art print" look, try Matte Cardstock.
Our Classic Polaroid templates are designed to print well at 4x5 inches or smaller. Photostrips look great when two are printed side-by-side on a standard 4x6 photo paper and then cut down the middle.