Last Updated on May 12, 2025 by Colby Droscher
Long before selfies became a staple of social media, people were turning cameras on themselves with something far more complicated, the Polaroid. These instant photos weren’t about perfection or algorithms; they were about capturing a moment, flaws and all. In an era without filters or retakes, a Polaroid selfie was raw, personal, and often deeply creative.
These 25 vintage Polaroid photos take us back to a time when photography was more tactile and intimate. They offer a glimpse into how people expressed themselves before the digital world took over. Through messy rooms, funny faces, and handwritten notes scribbled on the borders. There’s a kind of magic in their imperfection, a reminder that documenting our lives has always been less about looking flawless and more about feeling real. Here are 17 vintage photos of the Polaroid selfie culture.
1. “My first Polaroid selfie, 1993”
Having a physical copy of a photo makes it so much more personal.
2. Handheld selfies are funny on a Polaroid
Did you know you aren’t supposed to shake a Polaroid photo to develop it?
3. He looks serious
It’s hard for me to take a regular selfie, so kudos for taking one with a Polaroid camera.
4. Tell your parents to take a Polaroid selfie
It’s a memory you can hold in your hand.
5. The most artsy Polaroid selfie ever taken
How do you even get this effect on a Polaroid?
6. An ancient Polaroid camera
The photo still came out great, even though he’s using a dinosaur to take it.
7. The lights from the blinds accent this photo so well
This photo was taken with a Sx-70.
8. Brad and Ed, 1998
They took this selfie while filming Fight Club.
9. Feeling good, looking good
Bring back summers from the ’80s.
10. Selfie on a Polaroid 110A
Buying an old Polaroid and taking mirror selfies is something everyone should try.
11. A selfie on Instax Wide
He’s taking this photo with a Polaroid 900.
12. A double exposure selfie
This is art in its finest form.
13. You can feel how much fun they’re having
Close-up Polaroid selfies will forever be hilarious.
14. What a genius mirror selfie
The composition of this photo is perfect.
15. 35th birthday selfie
Polaroids are heavy, so taking a selfie can’t be easy.
16. Heath Ledger’s mirror Polaroid selfie, 1999
Heath Ledger loved his Polaroid camera.
17. Using a walkie-talkie antenna to take a selfie
This is the earliest version of a selfie stick.
Want to see more vintage photos?
Check out these 35 Vintage Photos of the Late ’90s, or take a look at 20 Vintage Photos Capturing 1960s Parisian Style. If you want to take a look at cars and bikes of the ’90s, check out 20 Vintage Photos of People’s Cars and Bikes in the ’90s.