Let's get physical! Why you need an instant camera
Taking photos on a smartphone or a digital camera can’t compare to the nostalgic buzz of holding a physical print. The classic instant camera is still very much alive, and very much up to date for those who crave that tactile experience.
Instant cameras reached peak popularity during the 1970s and ‘80s, eliminating the need to send rolls of film off to a lab for developing – and that anxious feeling as to whether those important shots would turn out as intended. With an instant camera, you took a shot, waited a few minutes, and then watched it materialise before your eyes like magic.
Despite smartphones being the go-to for photography nowadays, the instant camera has not only made a comeback but also rekindled the nostalgia of physical photos, as well as introducing the format to a whole new generation.
While today’s instant cameras are similar to the traditional variety, the technology inside is cutting edge, delivering higher printed picture quality than before, along with a range of features for ease of use – just point and shoot – and the potential for a whole lot of creative fun with photography.
If you haven’t indulged in the fun of instant photography, it can be a great way to get friends and family interacting, and add some spontaneity to get-togethers beyond staring at snaps on a smartphone display.
What are the advantages?
An instant camera provides a unique and nostalgic experience that sets it apart from digital photography. One of its biggest advantages is the ability to capture and print photos on the spot.
This instant gratification is perfect for those special occasions, travel, and creative projects – immediately holding a physical print in your hands can enhance the experience.
Instant cameras are incredibly user-friendly, too. There are no complex settings and editing tools to fiddle about with, making them accessible to all ages and levels of photography expertise.
Then there's the unpredictability and charm of instant film. Unlike digital photos that can be endlessly edited and enhanced, instant prints possess a raw, authentic quality – each shot is unique.
Another benefit is the tactile nature of instant photos. With most photos now stored digitally, instant photography brings back the joy of tangible images that can be shared with friends as a permanent memory, sent to a loved one as a postcard, or slapped on the fridge with a magnet. You can’t do that with a digital image!
Instant cameras also encourage more intentional photography. The limited number of shots per film pack makes you more mindful of their compositions when capturing moments – just like the good old days!
Polaroid – the OG
When it comes to instant photography, Polaroid actually wrote the book, releasing their first instant camera way back in 1948.
Founded by Edwin Land in 1937, Polaroid changed the photography game in 1948 with the release of the first instant camera, the cumbersome Model 95.
Suddenly, there was no more waiting for days for film to be developed; you could snap a picture and then watch it appear on instant photo film.
Throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, Polaroid cameras became a cultural icon, and by the ‘80s and ‘90s, Polaroid was everywhere – family gatherings, road trips, and even art studios (hello, Andy Warhol!). The signature white-bordered photos became a part of everyday life.
However, as digital cameras and smartphones began to dominate the new millennium, Polaroid ceased making instant film in 2008.
But a group of passionate former employees revived the format with a new instant film process, and today Polaroid has enjoyed a comeback, blending vintage charm with modern tech for instant photo gratification.
Instant printers
The instantaneous nature of snapping photos on a smartphone is fantastic, and can be elevated even further with instant printing of your memories via nifty portable printers.
Smartphone printers are small enough to pop into a bag or big pocket and are brilliant devices to kick off conversations, as well as adding an extra layer of fun to your smartphone photography.
Printing directly from a smartphone is a quick and easy process, just download the Android or iOS app for your particular camera model and you’re ready, with step-by-step instructions guiding you through the process.
Customisation features can be numerous if you want to up the creative fun with your photos. Add filters, borders, text, and select from an enormous array of in-app stickers.
Plus, some instant printers can even print a still shot from a video, and let you take a photo remotely using the printer.
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