The camera is a passport that is my excuse to see the world. By incorporating an Instax camera in my workflow, it has unlocked many doors that otherwise would not open. I mean this, both literally and metaphorically. The gift of photography is something worth sharing with others!
Photography is the excuse to see the world and meet new people
Instax Mini Evo
The Instax Mini Evo is a great option because it is portable and uses the smallest film size. I find that the digital hybrid allows for more flexibility and creativity. The use of the LCD screen makes it easy to use. I appreciate the fact that you can decide whether or not you want to print the photo after taking it. It’s also nice that there’s a variety of settings you can play around with and the ability to save a JPEG that already “Scans” the print is a nice touch. At the end of the day, any Instax camera will do, but this one is my current go to as it’s compact size makes is a no brainer. In some of these examples below, I was using the Instax “Wide” at the time, but find it a bit too big and cumbersome for practical everyday use. The good thing about the Evo is that it can easily fit in my big pockets or around my neck. I usually just keep it tucked under a coat or under an external layer.
Why Instax?
I find the use of the Instax camera to be extremely liberating. Not only is it pure fun, but it is a great way to engage with others. When I travel to a new place, I always make sure to bring it with me. That way, if I find myself at a scene that I would like to photograph, I can always offer to give prints to people in the moment. This breaks any tension that may exist when you enter a new place. People are often skeptical about your intentions and why you are photographing them, but when you offer an Instax print it sets everybody at ease.
Become closer to life
When I consider photography, I like to think it has nothing to do with photography. To me, photography simply allows you to get closer to life and learn about the world and other people. It gives you permission to get lost in the world, and make sense of it all. By using an Instax camera, I learned very early on that it’s a good practical solution to making photographs in new places. When you offer to make a portrait of somebody and give it to them on the spot, it opens the door for you to dive deeper in communities with your photography. It’s a part of my process that I learned to adopt while traveling and suggest you give it a try even in your own hometown. I believe this can be a tool that you add to your kit to get access to stories or subject that you would like to document.
The camera is a key
The camera is a key that will unlock many new doors in life. When I travelled throughout Shu’Fat refugee camp in East Jerusalem, I always made sure to carry my Instax camera with me. When I began making Instax pictures at a particular scene and offered the prints to people, I was invited into a home for some tea. By remaining playful, open, and honest with my approach to photographing strangers, I oftentimes find myself in situations that most photographers dream of. Once you have permission to photograph freely and break the ice, you can then use your main camera setup to make your own work.
Photography is not that serious
I think one issue a lot of photographers face is that they take themselves and their work way too seriously. My suggestion is to be playful on the street and approach others with openness. Remain curious and simply follow your gut. If something about a particular scene or person interests you, know that you can always find a way to make pictures. By always having an Instax camera with you, it becomes the excuse for you to engage with strangers and make more work. The Instax camera is certainly not viewed seriously as it’s just a plastic tool, but it surely gets the job done. Don’t take yourself so serious, and just be like a big kid with a camera. The use of an Instax camera is a part of my process that has proven to be very beneficial for my photography time and time again.