Meet Camille Guerin | Polaroid Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Camille Guerin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Camille, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think really the most important thing is the models. My general shooting style is very candid; I usually just tell models to come as they feel most comfortable. Something about when people are comfortable and at ease that I think really translates well to Polaroid film, especially with natural light. I know if someone is very comfortable and I can get them in the perfect lighting, the Polaroid does everything else. I have to mention my camera and Polaroid film in specific help me to stand out/create a memorable look. I shoot on a slr 680, which has a glass lens that I love. Also 600 film is so magical looking and i take pride in trying to really push the boundaries in how “perfect” a Polaroid can come out. I guess I’m just always trying to take a perfect Polaroid, and the best way I know how is natural light, a glass lens, and a beautiful model at ease.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I bought my first Polaroid just for fun. I didn’t have any prior experience as a photographer, although I would definitely say I have always had an “artistic eye”. Im a Virgo rising, so naturally I’ve always been very particular about what I do/don’t like in terms of how things look. When I bought my first camera, my room was all white with big palms, very dreamy looking. One of my friends had also bought a Polaroid and asked me to take some photos of her in my room. I had done some modeling in the past, and was instantly pretty impressed with the photos I took of Audrey. I figured if this was my first dip into photography, and this is what the photos looked like, I was on the right track. I dabbled around with some 35mm before ultimately deciding that Polaroid film was my favorite. It was just so challenging to make look perfect, that when I did, nothing else really compared. I figured if I wanted to work for Polaroid, I should only shoot that and try to get their attention. I’ve always had a lot of gorgeous friends and naturally I just started shooting them. I’m most proud of making models out of people that I’ve always admired. I think anyone can take a great photo, and everyone should take more photos. Over time, you’re bound to get better. Ive just been practicing trying to improve and I don’t really plan on ever stopping.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m not entirely sure! I would probably let them do a lot of the coordinating, just depending on the nature of the trip. We might go around and take photos, go to nurseries, parks. I’m pretty open to doing whatever! As far as food goes, we would have to go to Holbox, they have the freshest seafood I’ve ever had. Other than that, I love to cook and bake so I would probably make most of our meals. It’s really fulfilling for me to make food for loved ones.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friend Sebastian Cooper has been a great mentor to me. He has my dream job working for Polaroid and has always been extremely encouraging of my work and helping me grow. Shooting only 600 film is kind of niche so I can’t really explain how valuable to me it has been to find a mentor in such a specific field. I’m very grateful to have met him and to have him as a friend.

Instagram: Instagram.com/acombinationofthings

Twitter: Twitter.com/srslysaturn

Image Credits
The photo of me is by Audrey Rondeaux Other photos by me of Aali Saiah and Julia Rodriguez Rebeka Rubalcava Salma Guzman Alyssa Villa Kimberly Nolasco Elijah Cordano Samantha Lass