point & shoot

In November of last year, I came across the disposable cameras while shopping at Target. I’d never used one — at least not recently — and the only memory I really had of them was of my nana winding the film and pressing the button that ignited the infamous blinding flash.

The concept of the disposable camera is horrendously anti-eco-friendly. I’m surprised they still sell them, frankly. But I have been wanting to get into film photography since I took a class during my sophomore year of high school.

Learning technicalities of photography has always interested me, but I wanted to start learning with something simple so I wouldn’t get overwhelmed. I decided that disposable cameras were a good way to start, seeing as there’s only one button, and only two settings (flash/no flash). Pretty easy.

I got an Etsy gift card for Christmas and decided to look for some next-level film cameras. I was looking for something that you needed film for (so the disposable title would no longer eat at me), and I found one for super cheap. It’s very clunky, but I’ve been having fun experimenting with it. In 2021, I want to shoot one roll per month — whether it be via disposable camera or actual 35mm film.

In photography class, developing prints was so frustrating to me, but being able to see the process first-hand helped me appreciate photography that much more. The idea of not seeing your photos for weeks or months is very special to me. The drive to and from Walgreens to pick up my prints was filled with so much anticipation and excitement, and I was so eager to get them onto my computer and share them.

So without further ado, here are just a couple of my favorite photos I took with my disposable camera from January 2021. Once I finish my first real roll of film, I’ll share that (assuming they all come out okay).

Also, a PSA: because I’ll likely be questioned: the friends I’m with in some of these photos are all a part of my close circle. They are all very Covid-conscious and vocal about their whereabouts, well-beings, etc.

I look forward to writing more blog posts this year & getting back into my writing groove. I hope you liked seeing these photos! I do wish I had gotten into photo-taking at the start of the pandemic, but better late than never. I know I’ll be so glad to have these someday; I’m glad to have them now! Photography is a beautiful thing.