How to Use Polaroid Now Plus
The Polaroid Now Plus combines classic instant film photography with Bluetooth app controls, making it easier to shoot with more precision than a basic point-and-shoot.
This guide explains how to set it up, use its features, and avoid the most common mistakes that affect image quality.
What the Polaroid Now Plus is designed to do
The Polaroid Now Plus is an instant camera built around Polaroid i-Type and 600 film, with autofocus, a dual-lens system, and app-based manual tools.
It is designed for photographers who want the simplicity of instant film but also want more control over exposure, flash, and composition.
Unlike older analog-only cameras, the Now Plus connects to the Polaroid app through Bluetooth.
That connection unlocks features such as remote shutter release, aperture control, double exposure, light painting, and tripod mode, which can improve creative results when used correctly.
What you need before your first shot
Before learning how to use Polaroid Now Plus in practice, make sure you have the right materials and a fully prepared camera.
- A charged Polaroid Now Plus camera
- Polaroid i-Type or 600 film
- A smartphone with the Polaroid app installed
- Enough light for your subject, or a flash-friendly setup
- Optional: a tripod for long exposures or self-portraits
Polaroid film is sensitive to temperature and handling, so store unopened packs properly and keep exposed photos away from heat, cold, and direct sunlight while they develop.
How to load film correctly
Loading film is one of the most important steps because the camera will not work properly if the pack is inserted the wrong way.
Open the film door, insert the film pack with the dark slide facing outward, and close the door firmly.
The camera should automatically eject the dark slide when the pack is loaded.
Do not remove the dark slide by hand unless the camera fails to eject it, because premature exposure can waste the first frame.
After the dark slide ejects, the frame counter should begin at the first exposure.
If the camera displays an error or does not eject correctly, remove the pack in a dark environment and reinstall it carefully.
How to turn it on and take a basic photo
To power on the camera, press the front power button.
Once the camera is on, aim at your subject and let the autofocus system work.
The Polaroid Now Plus uses a two-lens autofocus setup to choose between close and distant subjects.
Press the shutter button halfway if you want to confirm focus behavior, then fully press it to capture the image.
After shooting, the photo will eject automatically and should be protected while developing.
For the best results, keep subjects within the camera’s recommended distance range.
Very close subjects can look soft if you are too near, while subjects in dim light may require flash or app controls to improve exposure.
How to use the flash effectively
The built-in flash is useful in low light and indoors, but it should not be treated as a default for every scene.
Because instant film has limited exposure latitude, a bright flash can flatten faces or create harsh reflections on shiny surfaces.
Use flash when your subject is indoors, backlit, or farther from a window than you would like.
If you are shooting outdoors in strong sunlight, consider turning flash off to avoid overexposed highlights and washed-out skin tones.
For portraits, stand at an appropriate distance so the flash is strong enough to reach the subject without overwhelming the frame.
If the environment is reflective, slightly angle the camera to reduce glare.
How to connect the camera to the Polaroid app
To unlock the advanced features, download the official Polaroid app and enable Bluetooth on your phone.
Put the camera in pairing mode according to the app instructions, then select the Polaroid Now Plus from the device list.
Once connected, the app provides manual-style controls that are especially helpful when shooting tricky scenes.
Keep the app open during use if you want reliable remote shutter and advanced creative settings.
What the app adds to your workflow
- Remote shutter release for self-portraits and group shots
- Tripod mode for slower exposures
- Aperture control for adjusting light entering the lens
- Light painting for long-exposure creativity
- Double exposure for layering two scenes on one frame
How to use aperture control and exposure tools
One of the most useful parts of learning how to use Polaroid Now Plus is understanding aperture control.
A wider aperture lets in more light, which can help in low-light situations or create softer depth effects, while a narrower aperture can preserve more detail in brighter scenes.
Because instant film is less forgiving than digital sensors, small exposure adjustments matter.
If a frame looks too dark, increase light by using flash, moving closer to a light source, or choosing a wider aperture in the app.
If a frame looks too bright, reduce flash use and move away from highly reflective backgrounds.
Tripod mode is especially useful when working with slower shutter behavior.
It helps stabilize the camera so the image stays sharp during longer exposures or remote shooting.
How to shoot double exposures
Double exposure lets you combine two images on one frame, and it works best when one subject has a simple outline.
The first exposure should usually be the dominant subject, while the second exposure can add texture, shadow, or a background pattern.
For stronger results, keep the composition clean and avoid two busy scenes competing for attention.
Portraits paired with architecture, trees, or bright windows often produce more readable double exposures than two cluttered indoor scenes.
Use the app to preview your approach and take your second exposure carefully, because instant film has no erase option once the frame is exposed.
How to use light painting and remote shooting
Light painting allows you to move a light source during a longer exposure, creating streaks or glowing shapes.
This effect works best in a dark or dim environment and usually requires a tripod or stable surface.
Remote shooting is valuable for group photos, solo portraits, and situations where you want to step away from the camera before the frame is taken.
It reduces shake and makes composition easier when the camera is mounted.
Both features are creative tools, but they work best when you test the setup before shooting valuable film.
Instant film costs more per frame than digital, so a quick practice run can save money.
Best practices for sharper, better-looking prints
Instant film rewards simple, deliberate shooting.
Keep backgrounds uncluttered when possible, use directional light, and avoid placing subjects too close to dark surfaces that absorb light.
- Hold the camera steady and press the shutter smoothly
- Give the camera time to focus before shooting
- Keep fingers away from the lens and flash area
- Use flash indoors unless the light is already strong
- Shield developing photos from direct sunlight and heat
- Store film in a cool, stable environment
If your prints are consistently dark, the likely cause is insufficient light, too much distance from the subject, or missed flash usage.
If they are too bright, reduce flash or move into softer light.
How to care for the Polaroid Now Plus
Proper care extends the camera’s lifespan and keeps the mechanics reliable.
Charge it regularly, keep the lens clean with a soft microfiber cloth, and avoid storing the camera with film left inside for long periods in extreme temperatures.
Battery performance can vary depending on app use and flash frequency, so check charge levels before important sessions.
If the camera is not being used for a while, store it in a dry, cool place away from dust and moisture.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many first-time users waste film by rushing the process or ignoring lighting conditions.
The most common mistakes are easy to prevent once you know what to watch for.
- Shooting too close without understanding the focus range
- Using flash in scenes that are already bright enough
- Ignoring the app’s creative controls
- Touching or bending prints during development
- Loading film in bright light for too long
- Skipping test shots when trying a new lighting setup
With the right setup, the Polaroid Now Plus becomes more than a novelty instant camera.
It is a flexible tool for portraits, events, travel photos, and creative experiments that benefit from both analog film and app-based control.