5 Reasons to Still Use Disposable Cameras
A few months ago I started using disposable cameras again to document special moments of our lives. The first time I whipped one out, Jackson gave me this look that said "are you kidding me?". He then *actually* asked, "are you kidding me?". 😂
These little cameras are a total blast from the past! With iPhones and DSLRs and point-and-shoot cameras and ACTUAL film cameras, you may be wondering why I would bother with disposable cameras at all? Well, today I'm sharing my top 5 reasons to still use disposable cameras!
5 Reasons to Still Use Disposable Cameras
- They keep you in the moment.
- The anticipation of seeing them developed.
- The nostalgia!
- The look they give cannot be replicated.
- It's just fun!
I | They Keep You in the Moment.
When you're using a disposable camera you aren't able to look back at the photo to see how it turned out. This keeps you from taking multiple photos of the same scene. With an iPhone or a digital camera you may find yourself taking 10, 20, even 30 images of the same moment with the plan to use the "best one". With a disposable camera this simply isn't possible. You can't preview the images! Therefore you take 1 (maybe 2) photos, and then get right back into the moment.
Disposable cameras--because you can't preview your photos with them--are also a huge humility check. You can't check how your hair looks or if your legs are at the right angle or that your shirt isn't bulging funny. You are forced to simply take the image and then move on. You have to check your ego at the door and trust the camera. In an age of perfection and only presenting the best, I find this to be extremely refreshing and freeing!
II | The Anticipation of Seeing The Photos Developed.
We live in a day and age of instant gratification. Take a photo? With iPhones and DSLRs and point-and-shoot cameras you can see your images right away. While there are definitely some advantages to this, there is something to be said about being forced to wait to see your images. I've found that I often forget what images I've even taken, and when I finally see them developed it's like Christmas morning! It's exciting!
III | The Nostalgia!
I'm sure we all can remember using these cameras at least a few times when we were younger. Growing up these little disposables were how I would document events like camp, horse shows, and friend hang-outs. We didn't have iPhones (or even iPods) to take photos with. Using these little cameras, twisting the dial for the next shot, and clicking the front tab for flash is so nostalgic for me, and I love that about the process!
IV | The Look They Give Cannot be Replicated.
There is a special look disposable cameras give their images that cannot be replicated. No matter what filter, preset, or editing process you use on your images, you simply cannot get the exact look and feel of a disposable camera. Love it or hate it, it's a look that I'm sure brings back memories and feelings of days when you were younger and simpler times. There's something precious and humble about the imperfect snapshots these cameras capture.
V | They're Just Fun!
Ya'll, these little cameras are just plain FUN. The process of shooting, mailing them in to get the film developed, the anticipation of waiting while they're developed, and then receiving the final images is way more enjoyable than I anticipated! I get genuinely excited every step of the process.
My encouragement to you would be to give disposable cameras a chance to document your precious moments in this modern age. Every time you click the shutter and roll the dial for the next shot you'll be reminded of simpler times and feel that nostalgic pull on your heartstrings.
THESE are the ones I use. Once a camera is filled I mail it in to Mpix who develops the images, and sends me both digital copies and physical prints of the images. Talk about a simple process packed with nostalgia and fun!
Did you use disposable cameras when you were younger? Leave me a comment on Facebook or shoot me a DM on Insta (@katielaurengraham) if you did!
Katie xx
