Can instant cameras make you a better photographer?
There’s something about the same process that slows down your photography, making you think more about image creation. What if you took it a step further and motivated yourself with an instant camera? Can it make you a better photographer?
Thomas Heaton is a landscape photographer who uses a variety of cameras, often high-resolution digital beasts, to capture the tiniest details from every scene. His film cameras – all larger than 135 – are amazingly glazed for maximum quality.
Then why would you trade it for an instant camera, with a low-contrast lens with questionable sharpness and a very limited dynamic range?
Heaton will take you through the process and while it’s not one of those things that all photographers will appreciate, I can understand the value of it. However, choosing the right instant camera is not a simple process. I will lean towards Polaroid SX-70 but they are hard to find and prices start at $430. Easier available are Polaroid Now keep things relatively simple and don’t forget that there are a lot options available from Fuji.
Have you used the instant camera to improve your photography? Let us know in the comments below.