EP 109 - The Magic of Instant Film: Professional Polaroid Photography with Ryan Shaver
Hi everyone! Today I’m talking with Bay Area photographer Ryan Shaver, who shoots exclusively on Polaroid. We get into how he built a business around instant film, what makes the medium so different to work with, and how he’s carved out a unique spot in the industry.
Meet Ryan:
Ryan Shaver is a Polaroid photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area who stands out in the professional photography world for shooting exclusively on Polaroid. After completing his graduate research paper, Predictive Processing for Artificial Intelligence & Cognition, Ryan leaned fully into instant film as a way to preserve memories with honesty and imperfection.
In 2022, he bet that people would eventually grow tired of the overly polished look of AI-generated imagery and crave something real. He went all in on a niche few pursue due to its high costs and challenges, landing his first client within a year. Since 2023, Ryan has photographed weddings, portraits, and major corporate events — including a recent donors event at the Exploratorium — and now also serves as the Creative Director for Siempre Golden clothing brand.
Why Polaroid
Polaroid is temperamental, unpredictable, and sometimes flat-out chaotic - which is exactly why Ryan loves it. Every shot feels like a little miracle. Nothing is retouched, nothing is “perfect,” and everything is honest.
Crafting an Experience
When Ryan shows up to a wedding or event, he’s not just documenting the day - he’s creating an experience. Guests get involved, the energy shifts, and people walk away with these one-of-a-kind keepsakes that feel alive.
Building a Niche
Polaroid isn’t a cheap medium, and Ryan had to hustle hard to make this niche work. It took a ton of collaborations and a lot of faith before the bookings came in. But now? He’s built something people can’t stop talking about.
What’s Next
Ryan’s dreaming up more ways to expand - maybe emulsion lift workshops, maybe more wedding work - all rooted in the same goal: creating real, physical art in a world moving digital.
Ryan’s story is such a good reminder that leaning into what makes you different is a superpower.
Connect with Ryan:
Corporate Holiday Party Season is coming up, and Ryan is still taking bookings!
The first ten people to book a wedding package next year, if they drop the code "SUMMER", will get 10% the total negotiated package price.
Website: shaver.film
Instagram: @shaver.film
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