When I go out for a day with friends or family, I’m always sure to bring along my green Fujifilm disposable camera. I photograph whatever feels right to me, being thoughtful with each photo I take because I only get 27 chances. 

One of my favorite photos that I’ve taken with one of my disposable cameras was of my two friends. They were searching through a stand of CDs in a music store, locating their favorite artists and albums. The moment was so picturesque and simple that I whipped out my camera to snap a shot of the two of them.

I didn’t know whether the lightning was perfect or if they both looked their “picture day best,” but that’s not what I was thinking about. I was thinking what a beautiful moment between two friends and successfully capturing it. 

I didn’t get to see how the photo turned out until I filled up all 27 photos possible, and only then I could drive over to Citizens Photo store to get it developed. 

It was a complete surprise to see how it came out–and an extremely delightful one. It wasn’t posey or superficial. It wasn’t taken a million different times in various angles and positions. It was just two girls looking at CDs, captured in one flash and click.

For me, the disposable cameras that I so enjoy using are like mini time capsules. I snap those 27 photos over a period of months, the moments slowly building up. When it’s finally time to develop them, I get to unlock all the memories forgotten. Each photo takes me through a timeline of my favorite moments throughout the months.

To me, a disposable camera is the gateway to allowing myself to be in the moment. I can snap a quick photo of a good time and then get right back on to being with my people. 

I can enjoy that same memory again three months later when I get the camera developed. These are moments I get to physically hold in my hands and hang on my walls. 

I appreciate the level of genuinity and timelessness that it brings into my life and will forever opt for a disposable camera when I get the choice.