Disposable cameras have become immensely popular over the last year or so. Personally, I love using disposable cameras for that vintage look that produces physical copies of pictures that I can actually hold onto (way more satisfying than scrolling through your camera roll). In today’s day and age, new technology is always coming out with supposed improvements on high-def camera quality. Using a disposable camera is a great way to switch up your usual photo shoot routine and create something unique in the process!
Disposable cameras come in lots of different shapes and sizes and are available at almost every drug and department store. When taking photos with your friends, the immediate response is almost always, “Let me see them!” Part of the magic of a disposable camera is knowing that you have to wait a bit for them to get developed in order to reveal what you captured in that moment. You soon come to appreciate this delay and admittedly find yourself looking for what else you can capture to fill up the roll of film. Disposable cameras give a nice vintage vibe on their own, but try out these five methods for that extra artistic look.
Past The Window
This is one of the most breathtaking ways to use a disposable camera because it achieves a look similar to photoshop. First, you need to find a window with good exposure, meaning the light is streaming though. Stained glass works the best, or if the light reflects off of a solid surface such as a wall. When developed, these photos tend to have a dreamy, blurry haze to them.
The Sun
This idea is not meant for you if you’re impatient, however the results are worth the wait. Leave your disposable camera in a warm place such as a glove compartment or attic. Just make sure the temperature is not high enough to melt the plastic of the camera. Now you have to leave the camera alone for at least two months, (a long time, I know). The results should yield lens flare and distortions that are quite mesmerizing.
Fisheye
The classic fisheye lens, probably one of the most innovative ways to use a disposable. Fisheye lenses aren’t expensive, and you don’t need the best of the bunch to achieve the desired results. The lens may not fit naturally on the camera, but taping or glueing will work just fine.
Double Exposure
There are two tricks to attain this effect. The first is a little aggressive, but essentially after taking the photo you smack the side of the camera. You might end up losing focus on the subject, or it ends up a little more to one side. An uneven exposure will end up enhancing the double exposure even more. For the second method, in between winding the film for the next shot, only wind it half way. Experiment with winding it different amounts and you might even be able to achieve a triple exposure look.
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