Why Disposable Cameras Are Your New Best Friend

Every Reason to Buy One

By Dan StylesPublished 6 years ago • 3 min read

Credit: Feathers89

I can see why disposable cameras have become a trending topic. As film starts to gain traction once again, the general public will look for a simple way to try it out. Personally, I am a huge fan of the disposable cameras and have captured some of my favourite images while using them.

You may be waiting for me to explain some ground-breaking new features, but there still haven’t been any recent major advancements in the world of disposable cameras. The models being sold are more or less the same ones you used to use on your family trip to Mexico. That sense of nostalgia is still there! A sense of nostalgia that can make your time spent talking photos twice as fun (four times as fun as using an imposter app like Huji).

Credit: Rob Kulisek

Have you ever shot film before? Have you ever tried out photography? The first type of person that should pick up a disposable camera is someone with no photographic experience! I shot my first roll of film on a disposable camera during a family trip to London. Inspiration to do so came after a professional photographer had posted a gear photo including several Fuji disposables. Picking one up may be the easiest way to try out the analog artform.

Just like with all other artforms, there are many elements to worry about when pursuing analog photography. Hundreds of variables that allow photographers to create unique and personal work can seem very daunting to someone just starting out. With a disposable camera, the only technical variable is the ISO of the film (generally 200 ISO or 400 ISO). My suggestion would be to use 200 ISO when out on a bright day, and 400 ISO for everything else. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry too much about making the correct ISO decision. If you ever think your scene is too dark, just use the built-in flash.

Unlike an iPhone, a disposable camera has a set number of photos available to be taken (approx. 27 of them). In normal circumstances, this would be considered as a negative. But this restriction acts to challenge the user to be more creative and actively consider composition. Everyone can take a great image, it just requires some thought.

So, the disposable camera is a great way to start film. But why start so basic? Like I had mentioned before, there are a lot of variables that come into play when using a more complex analog system. You must also allot yourself time and practice to adapt to analog photography. In the beginning, I was wary to venture into film photography because it doesn’t yield immediate results (except polaroid of course). It takes time to learn how to visualize a photo without the ability to check how it looks and immediately retake the photo. It also takes a lot of self-trust to finally use one of your frames (especially with the price of film). Disposable cameras are a basic and affordable system that allow the user to build up these skills and broaden their abilities as a photographer.

Finally, a practical reason. Not all film labs develop all types of film. The easiest film to get developed by far is 35mm, and thankfully for us, the disposable cameras found in our local drug stores use 35mm film. This film is processed at many more stores than 120 film stock. Many of the drugstores that sell the disposable cameras will also develop the film for you.

Credit: Will Adler

Now for those experienced in analog photography. Pick up a disposable camera because it will challenge you! I feel this was said best by Ted Forbes of “The Art of Photography” in his video, “My Favorite Camera Ever Made” (link down below). Forbes says that by limiting your controls and creating restriction, it forces the photographer to be more creative. You could plan a shoot or scout a location using a disposable camera. Finding ways to push the limitations presented by a lower quality camera. If you end up finding a beautiful composition, you will always have the option to retake a successful image on a high-quality camera and format.