Why You Should Use an Instax Camera
The camera is more than a tool — it’s a passport that opens doors to the world. By integrating an Instax camera into my photography process, I’ve discovered it unlocks possibilities, both literally and metaphorically. To me, photography is an invitation, a way to see the world and share that gift with others. And Instax cameras make sharing immediate, tangible, and memorable.
Photography as the Excuse to See and Meet the World
Photography grants permission to engage with life in all its forms. With an Instax in hand, I’m equipped to meet new people, break the ice, and be present in my surroundings. Photography is the excuse to step into new places, meet strangers, and observe without pretense. It allows me to embrace curiosity, sparking interactions that might otherwise be impossible.
The Instax Mini Evo: A Compact Powerhouse
The Instax Mini Evo is a small but powerful camera. Its compact size and hybrid digital features offer flexibility in how I capture and share moments. Here are some of its standout benefits:
- Portability – It’s easy to carry in a large pocket or wear around the neck, ready to pull out anytime.
- LCD screen – I can compose, adjust settings, and choose whether or not to print each shot.
- Print options – The Evo allows me to save images digitally as JPEGs, providing a digital “scan” of each print, and only print the photos I select.
“At the end of the day, any Instax camera will do, but this one is my current go-to. Its compact size makes it a no-brainer.”
While I used an Instax Wide before, I found it bulky for daily use. The Evo, on the other hand, fits my workflow seamlessly, giving me the freedom to move without feeling weighed down.
Why Instax?
Using an Instax camera is liberating. It’s a way to bring joy into each shot and a chance to connect on a human level. When I travel, I carry it everywhere, using it as a social tool. When photographing a scene, I can give prints to people right on the spot. This gesture:
- Breaks down tension with new acquaintances.
- Builds trust, clarifying my intentions as a photographer.
- Makes the whole interaction feel genuine and memorable.
In any new place, people may feel wary or skeptical about a photographer’s intentions. Offering an Instax print is a simple way to bridge that gap, making everyone feel at ease.
Closer to Life with Each Click
For me, photography is about more than capturing images — it’s about understanding life. An Instax camera lets me immerse myself in new spaces, engage deeply with the world, and connect with people beyond surface level. Offering someone a portrait in the moment creates a shared experience, breaking barriers and opening doors.
“When you offer to make a portrait and give it on the spot, it opens the door for you to dive deeper into communities.”
This practice, something I picked up while traveling, has become a tool that I now recommend to anyone, even in their hometown. Whether I’m exploring far-off places or my own city, the Instax helps me connect more genuinely and document stories with honesty.
The Camera is a Key
I see the camera as a key to experiences that lie beyond everyday reach. When I traveled to Shu’Fat refugee camp in East Jerusalem, for example, my Instax camera was essential. By sharing prints with people I met, I was welcomed with open arms and invited to share tea. Staying open, genuine, and playful with strangers opens doors to moments most photographers only dream of.
Once I gain that trust, I’m free to use my primary camera setup and focus on the work itself. But the Instax often breaks the ice, paving the way for these experiences.
Photography Isn’t That Serious
One challenge photographers face is taking their work too seriously. My advice: Be playful on the street and stay open. If something about a scene or person pulls your attention, go with it. Instax cameras are viewed as fun and lighthearted, making them approachable and unassuming.
“Don’t take yourself so seriously, and just be like a big kid with a camera.”
The Instax camera has become a fundamental part of my process, time and time again proving its worth in my work. It’s both a passport and a key, helping me connect to the world and reminding me of the joy in photography. Keep it fun, stay curious, and enjoy the journey.