Why are iPhone Polaroid apps so popular?

That's the question Kyle Chayka has asked and tried to answer over at hyperallergic.com, and a question that got me thinking.

For me these apps fill the void left behind when Polaroid discontinued their films and cameras, and whilst I know the films are back in production under the "Impossible Project", they are pricey.

With an app like Polarize you get that retro Polaroid look in a modern digital age, that unlike the original Polaroid camera can fit in your pocket and be used anywhere at anytime.

Well that's what I think, but what do you think? And what Polaroid app if any do you use?

Source: Kyle Chayka at hyperallergic.com

[Posted from my iPad using iBlogger for iPhone]

Comments

[Marcius]

ShakeItPhoto is the best!

[Matt]

Agreed ShakeITPhoto!

[Matthew McConkey]

A lot of the photos I've taken that I'm pleased with are ones where I've gotten in close to a certain detail, rather than tried to cram too much into a picture. I think if you're just trying to catch a small part of what you're shooting, then you can add greater emphasis to it by squaring off the picture and adding some vignette, and you've probably got something that's starting to look a lot like a Polaroid by then.

I mainly use Shakeitphoto, although I like Polarize and ClassicInsta a lot too.

[Tai Shimizu]

I bought myself a fuji instax 210 recently. I may be shot for saying this, but Fuji's instant film is better than polaroid ever was. But instant cameras are huge and you don't want to lug one around with you everywhere, so iPhone works, too.

[Jake Wiens]

My theory on the "retro" style apps is that if you cant make a picture look perfectly clean then make it look old and dirty with some soul. people can pick out iphone pics in there raw state. but if you throw effects that utilize the low resolution and take advantage of its tiny lens then you get a pic that has some character honesty to its resolution. and who doesnt love looking at "old" photos?

-jake