Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Polaroid wants to teach you to take better shots with your iPhone

By Hillary K. Grigonis November 4, 2016

Introducing Polaroid University

The company known for starting instant film is now helping photographers take better instant photos with their smartphones. Thursday, Polaroid launched Polaroid University, packing instructional photography videos in an on-the-go app.

Recommended Videos

Initially launching in the App Store for iOS users, Polaroid says an Android version for the Google Play store is also in the works. The app is free to download, but some videos require a purchase. An annual $10 subscription, available from Amazon, will give app users access to the entire video library, which currently has over 40 videos.

Polaroid University covers topics for a range of skill levels from beginning shooters to more seasoned photographers, including a selfie course, slow motion videos, and a video tutorial on using Instagram, Snapchat and Snapseed. The instructional videos are led by several different professional photographers.

“Polaroid University’s mission is to empower anyone with a smartphone to shoot amazing photos and videos,” said Marc Serota, professional photographer and the app’s founder. “The app and subscription pack not only make it easy for people to take great photos and videos with their devices, but make it simple for users to access tips and tricks from our episodes in a way that is convenient for them.”

Users can choose episodes on a certain topic, or set up a play list to start with the beginning topics and work their way further into the advanced lessons. Lessons are currently divided into three categories — the fundamentals, topics for specific types of photography and On the Road, which follows Serota as he travels and shoots.

Several of the apps videos are also available online and on the Polaroid University YouTube channel. The Polaroid University app, developed by Eyeland Education LLC, is available for both the iPhone and iPad, with an Android version in the works.

Download for iOS

Topics

Hillary K. Grigonis

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Hillary never planned on becoming a photographer—and then she was handed a camera at her first writing job and she's been…

Mobile

I’ll be furious if the iPhone 15 Pro doesn’t get this one feature

A black iPhone 14 Pro lying on a table.

It’s peak summer season, but that also means we’re getting closer to Apple’s fall event in September. This is typically when we expect the next generation of iPhones and Apple Watches.

This year, we’re expecting the iPhone 15 lineup, which should include the standard iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. On top of that, it’s safe to say that we should also see the Apple Watch Series 9, but whether we’re getting a second-generation Apple Watch Ultra is still up in the air. And new AirPods? Who knows! Regardless, it will be exciting and jam-packed with a ton of new products.

Mobile

I’ve used an iPhone for 14 years. The Pixel Fold made me want to stop

Google Pixel Fold in Obsidian open on Pixar Pier portrait mode.

When Steve Jobs took the stage on January 9, 2007, to unveil the original iPhone, everyone was amazed at the little piece of technology he held in his hand. Then in June 2007, people could buy and get their hands on the very first iPhone — and the scope of the cell phone industry changed forever.

I personally didn't get the original iPhone on launch day, believe it or not. Instead, I received it as a birthday present in 2008 (my very first Apple product), but my clumsy self eventually dropped it on cement four months later, and the screen shattered. But instead of getting it fixed, I figured I might as well just get the iPhone 3G since it was just a few weeks away from release.

Mobile

This small gadget gives you the iPhone 14’s best feature for $149

The Motorola Defy Satellite Link dongle.

When the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro launched last year, one of the hallmark features was their integrated satellite connectivity — enabling you to call for help or share your location with loved ones using satellites. Now, the Motorola Defy Satellite Link is launching in North America, allowing you to send satellite messages from your existing smartphone.

Announced at MWC 2023, the Motorola Defy Satellite Link is a small, key fob-like device that pairs with your iPhone or Android phone via Bluetooth and, in doing so, connects your smartphone to satellites orbiting Earth 22,300 miles away in space.