Welcome to SELKIRK POLAROID photography :)

Hi, I’m Kathleen - a nostalgic soul with a Polaroid in hand and a deep love for slow, intentional moments.

Selkirk Polaroids was born from a desire to freeze time in its most honest form — grain, light leaks, imperfections and all. There’s something magic about instant film: the click, the hiss, the wait, and the one-of-a-kind print that can’t be duplicated. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s exactly how I like to capture people.

I work mostly on Vancouver Island and surrounding coastal areas — chasing light, love, and laughter wherever they show up. Whether it’s a dreamy elopement on the beach, a cozy couple’s shoot in the forest, or a candid family session, my goal is to document the in-between moments — the glances, giggles, and genuine connections.

If you’re someone who values experience over perfection, analog over filters, and memories that feel like home — we’ll get along just fine. Let’s make something beautifully imperfect together.

Based on Vancouver Island, BC

Services available on Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland Vancouver

*open to travel within Canada and abroad*

What it’s like to work with me

My approach is relaxed, intentional, and rooted in connection. Whether it’s a wedding, elopement, engagement, or just-for-fun shoot, I focus on creating space for real moments to happen—so nothing feels forced or overly posed.

I’ll guide you when needed, but never in a way that feels stiff or unnatural. Think gentle direction rather than rigid posing—subtle prompts, small adjustments, and an eye for light and composition that helps you feel comfortable and look like yourself. But don't worry, I'll also get the classic, timeless posed photos too.

At the same time, I’m always watching for the in-between moments: the quiet glances, the laughter that sneaks in, the way you naturally move together. Those candid, unplanned seconds are often the ones that feel the most honest. It’s a balance of both—intentional and unposed, guided and spontaneous.

The result is a collection of images that feel natural, personal, and true to you—not just how everything looked, but how it actually felt to be there.

Why i shoot Instant film

Instant photography blends a modern perspective with a vintage medium in a way that digital simply can’t replicate. It invites you to be present. To embrace the in-between moments. To let things unfold naturally.

I’m not here to create hundreds of photos you’ll scroll past—I’m here to create a small collection that you’ll actually keep, hold onto, and return to. Photos that feel like memories the moment they’re made.

How the magic happens

How does instant photography even work?

At Selkirk Polaroid Photography, every instant photograph is created using genuine instant film, where the image develops through a chemical process right before your eyes. Unlike digital prints, each photograph is exposed inside the camera and then passes through rollers that spread specialized developing chemicals inside across the film. Over the next few minutes, those chemicals react with the light-sensitive layers to reveal a one-of-a-kind photograph—no printers, inks, or editing required.

Fujifilm Instax film has high image quality, vibrant colours, and reliable results. Instax photos typically develop within two to three minutes, allowing you to watch your keepsake appear almost instantly. Polaroid film, which offers a more nostalgic, vintage-inspired look, develops more gradually over 10 to 15 minutes.

Because instant film is a true photographic process, every image is unique. Variations in lighting, temperature, and film chemistry contribute to the character of each photograph, making every print an authentic keepsake that cannot be replicated. It's this blend of artistry, chemistry, and nostalgia that makes instant photography such a memorable experience for weddings, celebrations, events, and special occasions.