I guess this is my first collage. I honestly don’t have the patience to crop photos but I got inspired by Sofia‘s collages and decided to do one. Hmm, how does it look? Some elements here I got from the creative market. And yea, that’s my ugly handwriting and my kid-like-work logo. Haha!

 I’ve always wanted an instant camera ever since I was a kid. I had this classmate that had one when I was in grade 5 and that made me tell myself that I will own one soon. That did not happen sooner than I had hoped for though. My parents just wouldn’t buy something that expensive just because I liked it and that was okay. Growing up, I would say that my siblings and I were well taken care of. We were not spoiled kids. I completely understood when they say no when I asked for something that was unnecessary or not needed. Yes, they did somehow indulge my luxuries, but only when I did something good like in school or other activities and whatnot. In this way, I had learned to discipline myself and the value of money. It would certainly be one of the lessons that I’m going to teach my children in the future.

Almost ten years later, 26th of April 2014, to be exact, I finally got to own one using the money I earned from my internship. It was such a fulfillment–getting something you have worked hard for. I just finished college then and was about to enter the real world, so it was pretty much a job-well-done-gift for myself. I got a blue Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 and oi, I was so ecstatic when I first used it. The films are still hella expensive so I always think twice before I press the shutter button, but we all make mistakes. Not every shot is perfect. I have wasted tons of films already–underexposed, overexposed, blurry ones. Oh well.

I always bring my instant camera with me on every important moment, event, and travel, but I stopped using it in the year 2018 – 2019 because I got into 35mm analog photography. I couldn’t just use both film formats because that would just burn a hole in my pocket. But, I had always been eyeing upgraded models of Instax cameras. I was torn between Square SQ6 and the Mini 90. I really liked the latter though because the SQ6 doesn’t have a room for proper grip, the shutter button was in an awkward place, the viewfinder was at the right side, and non-rechargeable batteries. I also didn’t like Fuji’s latest hybrid SQ10 because it loses the charm of it being an “instant” camera. Anyway, last year Asis gave me a Christmas present and it was none other than a Mini 90 Black Neo Classic. Hohohohoo!!! Another addition to my growing film cameras. So yea. I also liked to share the album I bought on Shopee for my films (the seller also gave me a free BIGBANG TOP’s Doom Dada lanyard). Well, it was just a binder and I just bought sheets of 9-pocket-page-sleeves. The quality of the products was great but the films actually slide when you put in the pocket sleeves so I had to tape each. I’m still satisfied and happy with it though.

That’s it. Contemplating buying one? Go ahead! The novelty really hasn’t worn off. If you already own one, go and take risks! Experiment and have fun. Take the best shots possible!