Dina Hamaoui Kim Reingold
PainePR Polaroid Corporation
212/613-4918 781/386-2000
dhamaoui@painepr.com reingok@polaroid.com
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED: EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT POLAROID PHOTOS, BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why should I use instant photography in my crafts, and not 35mm or digital?
A: Polaroid instant photography is an innovative medium that can easily be incorporated into any craft or scrapbook project, and allows creative individuals of all ages Ð adult and children alike Ð to express themselves in a different way than with traditional 35mm or digital photography. Instant photography is the best tool available to capture spontaneous moments as they happen, with the added ability to see, touch and use the photograph immediately, making them appropriate for use in all types of crafts.
For example, Polaroid film has many advantages over other printed pictures such as the ability to create Òon the spotÓ or ÒinstantÓ albums filled with family memories or special events. Combining the immediacy of instant photos with journaling and a scrapbook format becomes a creative way to document those special moments for a loved one or guest of honor.
Q: Are Polaroid photos safe to cut? Will they release some kind of chemical that will ruin my scrapbook or harm my other photos?
A: Polaroid photos are absolutely safe to cut for use in both craft and scrapbook projects. Polaroid recommends waiting 24 hours after the photo is emitted from the camera to crop the photo. At this time, the image has fully developed and the internal chemicals have neutralized, making them safe to cut for creative use. To achieve the best cut edge, Polaroid recommends using a sharp, straight-edged cutting tool.
Additionally, Polaroid photos are developed with water-soluble compounds. If the photo is cut prematurely, simply rinse your hands with water and wipe the material off the photo. This compound will not damage your scrapbook in any way. Uncut Polaroid photos are completely pH-neutral, while cut Polaroid photos are pH neutral (6 to 8.5) within the picture area.
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Dispelling Polaroid Myths
Q: How is a Polaroid picture structured?
A: The individual Polaroid film is structured like a sandwich and incorporates the following elements in order from back to front. Black plastic back, pH neutral development compounds (clear when wet, white when dry), image layer, clear plastic cover and white photo keeper border. Because the Polaroid photograph is housed as a sandwich, the various layers can separate when the film is cut. In fact, separating images affords many additional opportunities for creative uses of Polaroid film.
Q: Can Polaroid photos be archived? Do they last as long as traditional 35mm prints?
A: According to the American National StandardÕs Institute, it takes more one than 100 years for a Polaroid photo to fade, especially if properly stored in an album. Additionally, Polaroid photos do not fade any faster than other photography mediums. In fact, each Polaroid photo has a built-in protective polyester outer layer, so fingerprints can easily be wiped off, making them perfect for archiving memories in a scrapbook or for use in kid-friendly crafts.
Q: Will waving the photo or blowing on it help to develop the picture more quickly?
A: No, these methods will not speed up development time at all. Polaroid film is self-developing. All materials necessary to the development process are located inside the large pod on the bottom of the white photo keeper. Waving the photo could actually disturb the process and trigger and uneven distribution of these materials, causing the photo to develop improperly. Additionally, blowing air on the photo will not speed up the process, as the development materials are inside the photograph only. The outside surface of the photo is completely dry at all times. The best course of action is to be patient and the photo will appear in just 90 seconds.
Q: Is a Polaroid camera difficult to use?
A: With Polaroid point-and-click technology, Polaroid instant cameras are among the easiest cameras to operate. Additionally, Polaroid photos are a great way to teach children about photography, because they can watch the image develop right in their hands Ð like magic!
For more information about Polaroid instant photography products or ÒinstantÓ scrapbook or craft ideas, please visit the Polaroid Web site at www.polaroid.com/instantideas or call (800) 662-8337, extension C007.
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