Instant on-the-spot photographs, which typically have a square photo inside a white rectangular frame. See polaroid camera for the camera itself.
Characters are often seen shaking early Polaroid instant photos to dry the ink or produce the image faster. After the release of their sealed film packs, shaking the photos do nothing to speed the photo development and run the risk of ruining the image by creating unwanted bubbles in it if shaken too vigorously.