How instant photographs work

 

Polaroid cameras have been in use for such a long time now that even one’s grandparents have probably taken pictures with them. Even though instant photography might be considered old-fashioned by some, there are others who appreciate it as a nostalgic and useful tool to taking pictures. The process of a photograph developed right in front your eyes can actually be described as a chemical reaction.
 

Instant Polaroid film consists of three different layers. Each has a dye coupler layer between them. The top of these layers is completed with yet another set of layers: an image layer, an acid layer as well as a timing layer.
 

The different color layers:
 

 

The aforementioned chemical reaction is started by the so-called re-agent. This product essentially is a combination of white pigments, alkali and opacifier. The opacifier and alkali are crucial elements since they function as a light blocker and an acid neutralizer, respectively. This mixture of products is spread all over the frame of the film. Out of this reason, polaroids also have a white frame around the outside of the film.
 

While taking a picture with a Polaroid camera, the pushing out of the film happens automatically due to small rollers inside the camera. This is when the re-agent is spread across the film. But how does the color blending that is necessary for a proper picture work? Well, it is now that the chemical reaction comes into full motion: While the colors from the dye layers rise up from the lower layers, the acid layer also goes up to the top. Meanwhile, the re-agent does his work from above. As soon as the meeting between the two chemicals occurs, there is a reaction between the alkali and opacifier in order to make the re-agent turn clear.

Now you just have to wait for the slowly, but steadily appearing image to become a piece of developed film.

(Note: I apologize for the parts in white. I've repeatedly tried to remove the white highlights, but it just won't work)


 

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