What is instant photography?

Instant photography allows us to print fully developed photos seconds after they are taken. This is possible because instant film contains all the development chemicals needed already within it.

Photos by lafilledeer with the Lomo’Instant Wide and pearlgirl77 with the Lomo’Instant Automat

Before a picture is taken these development chemicals are stored in a pouch at the edge of the film sheet. When you take a picture with an instant camera the film passes through a pair of rollers, which spread the chemicals onto the film creating a chemical reaction and starting the development process. The film then passes out of the camera and continues to develop as you hold it in your hand.

Many people continue to be drawn to instant photography for its unique ability to allow us to take a photo and almost immediately hold the print in our hand as a tactile object.

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How do I clean my instant camera rollers?

Gently wipe the rollers with a soft cloth, tissue paper or cotton swab saturated with alcohol or ionized water. Once done with that area, press the shutter to make the rollers move, then so the same on the newly accessible parts. Repeat the process until there are is no visible dirt or black streaks left.
How do I creatively alter my instant photos?

Revamp your old instants or experiment with your fresh ones by trying out these five alteration ideas.
How do I create a transparency with instant photos?

Create transparencies from your Instax photos to elevate their uniqueness! Just follow these five easy steps.
How do I make an instant film emulsion lift?

Experiment by doing emulsion lifts on your Polaroid prints! Here are the materials that you need and the five easy steps to follow.
What happens if I take out the instax film canister from my camera with film still inside?

Removing the instax film canister from your camera when you still have unexposed film inside will likely result in at least one ruined and unusable instax. Any instax film beneath the first one will probably be fine, although they could also contain light leaks.
How should I store my instant photos?

When it comes to storing instant photos a lot people simply throw them in an old shoebox or desk drawer. However, if you want to keep your instant photos in good condition for many years to come you can also take some additional measures.
How can I scan my instant photos?

There are a number of ways to create digital scans from your instant photos. Let’s take a look at the options available.
What are some features of Lomography Instant cameras?

The Lomography range of instant cameras have a ton of fun features including multiple exposure mode, bulb mode, remote control shutter release, and glass lenses.
What are the different instant film formats?

All Lomography cameras use Fujifilm Instax film. These come in three different formats – Instax Mini Film, Instax Square Film and Instax Wide Film.