Disposable cameras are making a comeback! But how do you make sure your shots turn out amazing? Stick around for our best tips and tricks on how to Get the Best Results from a Disposable Camera
Know Your Camera
First up—know your gear and their quirks. Most disposable cameras have fixed focus, fixed aperture, and fixed shutter speed. That means what you see is what you get—no settings to change, so you’ve gotta work with what you got.
And take a look at your film type—most come with ISO 400, which is great for everyday use. If you’ve got ISO 800? That’s even better for low-light adventures.
Lighting is Everything to Photographers, Disposable Cameras included.
Daylight is your best friend. Shooting outside in bright, natural light will give you the most crisp, clear images. If you’re Indoors or it’s night time. Definitely use that flash—or your shots will be underexposed.
Golden hour is a magical time just after sunrise or before sunset. You’ll get those dreamy, warm tones that make everything look better.
The flash on a disposable works best when your subject is an arms distance away or between 3 to 10 feet max. Any closer and your subject might get washed out. Too far, and it won’t do much at all.
Even in the daytime, if your subject is backlit or in the shade—use that flash to fill in shadows. It’s a sneaky trick for better shots!
Framing and Composition
Disposable cameras are fixed focus, so what does that mean for you?
Get close! Details pop more when you’re closer. Avoid standing too far back as backgrounds can get a little fuzzy. Unless that’s what you’re going for.
And don’t forget the rule of thirds. Instead of centering everything, try placing your subject slightly off-center. It creates a more balanced and eye-catching image.
But at the end of the day, rules are meant to be broken so experiment! Disposable cameras are perfect for spontaneous, authentic vibes. Don’t overthink it—just shoot!
Developing Your Film
You’ve shot your roll—now what? Time to develop!
Go with a professional pro lab like The Icon for the best results. You’ll get higher quality scans and prints that actually do your photos justice.
We offer both high-res digital scans and physical prints. It’s the best of both worlds—and it helps preserve those memories long after your camera’s been tossed.
