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Click Goes the Shutter

Added 2025-06-01 21:59:23 +0000 UTC

Summer is here, and I’m feeling the need to get outside more often. I put film inside my camera and left it by the front door as if a carrot dangling from a string to lure me outside. It has worked a few times! I use an Instax Mini 99 for photography. It’s more than a point-and-shoot, but not overly complicated in any way. It has just enough options and settings for me to play around with and feel like I’m leaving a mark on the picture. This results in some less-than-stellar photos on occasion, but I like the finality of each shot. It’s an analog camera so there are no reshoots or touch-ups. Take the picture and move on.

I mostly enjoy taking nature shots, particularly of flowers and plants. There’s a small public garden tucked away in our neighborhood full of native plants with name cards that’s a lot of fun to shoot. It has the benefit of being quite peaceful, too. There are many hidden spots around here that offer great nature photography without going for a drive. Beaches, parks, trails, gardens… cool plant life is everywhere. I’m looking forward to the Del Mar Fair this year so that I can snap pictures of the floral contest entries.

I’ve looked into square format instant cameras and would like to get one eventually, but, for now, I’m happy working within the limitations of the mini format. It’s interesting to think about what will look good in a small format. Composition over detail. Maybe someday I’ll get back into film photography, but I’m not sure I’m that devoted to the hobby. I’m happy to be enjoying it at the moment.

-Ian