It was only a matter of time before instant cameras would return to weddings. Pairing the digital thirst for immediacy with the tangibility of an analogue print, instant cameras are memento-making machines. For those in the industry, they offer a relatively low-maintenance supplement for wedding packages.
Putting cameras into the hands of guests guarantees a collection of images unlike those captured by a professional. No matter how personable the photographer, we are more inclined to relax and act silly in front of our friends and family than a stranger. Additionally, instant cameras are generally user-friendly, and they appeal to both young-and-hip and old-and-nostalgic users.
This is not necessarily a new idea. Before we all carried mobile phones outfitted with cameras, it was not uncommon to see disposable cameras set out on the tables of wedding reception halls for guests to use. Despite the ascendance of digital photography, there is still a desire for physical prints documenting important life events. The added benefit of shooting instant is that it does not require a trip to the darkroom (or drugstore) to see if an exposure succeeded.
With a little bit of creativity, an instant photography “station” can be constructed out of a few props and a small background set up in the corner of a reception hall. Consider having either an assistant or family helper keep an eye on things while you are busy shooting. Daring photographers who elect to leave cameras at the mercy of guests should print out easy-to-understand instructions for using the camera and reloading film. Fortunately, instant cameras like the Fujifilm instax mini 8 Instant Film Camera, while certainly not disposable, are relatively inexpensive to replace when something inevitably goes wrong. Always bring a backup.
There are many types of film available for the instax mini format. Consult with your client to determine the type and quantity of film desired. If larger prints or a truly vintage camera are preferred, Impossible has you covered. Keep in mind that the film used by older cameras is a bit more finicky, so you might want to make sure somebody with experience is on hand to oversee that process.
Pair your photo station with the couple’s guest book. This will increase awareness while maintaining a steady flow of adults near your gear. Think of creative ways for guests to display the resulting photographs for others to see. Depending on how crafty you feel, a display can be built out of a few pieces of wood, clothesline, and photo clips. Guests can pin their masterpieces to the clothesline and form a grid of photos over the course of the night.
One downside of using instant film is its “one-off” character. There are two potential workarounds for this problem. The Polaroid Snap Touch Instant Digital Camera offers the best of both digital and analogue worlds by printing physical photos and saving digital copies to a microSD card. Or, if you want to ditch the camera altogether, the Polaroid ZIP Mobile Printer, Fujifilm instax SHARE Smartphone Printer, and Impossible Instant Lab Universal all offer the ability to print “instant” photos taken from mobile devices. The only downside is that each requires users to download and install an application to communicate with the printer.
Do you incorporate instant photography into your wedding gigs? Feel free to share your experiences in the Comments section, below.