I love what the digital revolution has done for photography. We can capture every single moment…easily, quickly, digitally. But, I miss the old school days, where you held pictures in your hand and made photo albums. A few weeks ago we experienced the joy of printing some of our digital pictures of Minneapolis landmarks to display in our home. Now, I am on a full-fledged mission to get more candid shots up in this place.
I recently got a new camera to help with my mission. Don’t worry, it’s not to replace my other beloved camera. This one is more for fun. My other camera is like my serious friend, this one is more like the crazy girl I hang out with every once in a while when I want to be silly and carefree. Oh, yeah, and this friend would have blue hair…different, but fun!
My hubby surprised me on my birthday with a Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 camera. It prints pictures instantly (think: like an old Polaroid), except these pictures are only about the size of a credit card. It is such a fun way to take pictures and capture moments. The instant prints have a retro feel.
I have only had my Instax for about a week, but I drag it everywhere. First, I took a few pics around the house. The first photo was of my boys on my birthday. Then, I was sure to capture the “Mommy, I want to be Hulk smash” coloring incident.
I took the camera along to the zoo and captured some wildlife with my son. In the first picture, you can just see the bald eagle over his shoulder. (A better iPhone photo of the gorgeous bald eagle is below.) In the second photo I captured a bear wandering by.
Most recently, I pulled the Instax out for a few precious moments on my son’s birthday. We made a homemade cake and the boys added the sprinkles. Then in two instant pictures I caught the blowing out of the candle. I hope he made a good wish!
The boys LOVE these pictures. They think it’s magic. They patiently watch each one develop before their eyes. My instinct is to shake them, but I am not sure that really does anything.
My parents gave me my first-ever Project Life album. I am deliriously happy about the yellow and white striped album cover.
I am so excited about these two gifts together. I will be snapping Instax pics and popping them right into the project life album along with prints from our other cameras.
Tip: I discovered the Polaroid 300 film also fits the Instax. I was not able to find the Instax Mini film locally. The Polaroid film is more expensive, but held me over until I could order Instax film online.
I have not decided how or if I want to permanently label my Instax Mini prints. For now, I decided to keep it casual and fun with washi tape.
I can’t wait to host a party and use this camera to allow guests to take home a picture with the guest of honor! Ooh, and with a cute washi tape label matching the party colors.
Happy Birthday! Have fun with your new gift!
I want one!! So stinkin cute! And where the whole “shake it like a poloroid picture” thing came from?!? In the old, old poloroids (like the land camera) the film would come out and it would have a paper on it you would peel back, the reason you waved it around was to dry the exposed (and caustic) ink! With modern poloroids its better to hold it against the warmth of your body to help it develop quicker ;)
Thanks, Jennifer. That is good to know!
I noticed your awesome washi tape holder. May I ask where you got it? I’m in desperate need of mine, to organize my mess of washi tape!
Stephanie, The small lucite one is by Russel+Hazel, purchased at a local stationary shop. I made the large one. All the details are here: DIY Washi Tape Dispenser
These are so cute! Love the old retro look of the pictures. Since you have young boys, would you recommend this as a gift for a 5 year old? I’m looking for creative gifts for my nephews 5th birthday.