Event & Party Ideas From Studio Style

“Hey Polaroid fans! Fuji has an instant camera and you won’t have to go on a treasure hunt to find film”

In 2008 Polaroid announced that it’s iconic Polaroid instant camera & film, the one that made them famous, was being discontinued. Polaroid fans across the globe balked at this news and quickly formed groups like Save Polaroid in a grassroots effort to try to save their beloved camera. Born out of this movement was The Impossible Project which did, you guessed it, the impossible by creating a film compatible most of the old Polaroids out there. If you were lucky enough to find it in-stock, the high cost was prohibitive to all but the most die-hard fans. Equally pricey Polaroid film was (and still is) being auctioned on eBay if one is willing to pay.

But then Fuji came into the US spotlight with it’s Instax camera. With it’s rounded toy-like body, point & click ease and instananeous photos, it quickly became an acceptable replacement for most Polaroid users.

Fujifilm Instax 200 Instant Film Camera

The Fuji Instax is popular choice for parties & events where relatively inexpensive & easy event photography is desired.

Tips

• Bring extra batteries. In a Fujifilm test, the battery life of 4 AA-size (LR6) batteries in an Instax 200 lasted approximately 10 packs of film.
• Get up close and personal with your subject. Due to the small size of an Instax print, and the inability to zoom and crop later, it is best to frame your image properly when shooting.
• Take some practice shots. Before your guests arrive, ask an assistant or a volunteer to pose for you in the location where you’ll be taking the pictures. This will give you a sense of what to expect from your photos, and you’ll be able to make lighting adjustments as necessary.

Instant pictures, from a camera like the Fuji Instax, are a great choice for event photos. Instant printing = instant photo souvenirs!

Five reasons people love the Fuji Instax Instant Film Camera.

1. Nostalgia – Ever since American inventor Edwin Land invented the instant camera in 1947, people have been using instant photography to capture the memories in their lives.
2. Conversation Starter – With everyone owning digital cameras these days, the sight of a Instax will more than likely draw some attention.
3. Instant Gratification – Sure digital cameras can show you what your photos look like, but can they also print them instantly, too?
4. Fun Factor – Who doesn’t love a toy-like camera?
5. Event Friendly – Instant cameras are a popular choice for parties and events.

Own both? What do you think of the Fuji Instax camera? Tell us in the comments below.

Where to buy: Fuji Instax 210 at B&H Photo, Fuji Instax Film at Adorama & Fuji Instax Photo Frames at Studio Style. Plus a Fuji Instax Wide Photo Gallery on Flickr for your photo-viewing pleasure.

“A photo memory keepsake makes one of the best family reunion souvenirs.”

When else do you have the whole extended family together in one spot? Seize the opportunity and take a group photo. Future generations will thank you when they come across these photo memories that capture their family history.

This way to great family reunion photo gift ideas!

The easiest way to set up the shot is to use a tripod with a self-timer. Make sure the camera is turned horizontally to get everyone in the picture. Take several test shots, and if using a digital camera, take advantage of the LCD display screen to preview the image. Since this opportunity comes along only once a year, once a decade, or in many cases once in a lifetime, make sure to take several (or more) shots to ensure that you have the perfect photo!

In addition to a large group shot, it is a great idea to take photos of individual couples & their children. With all these photos, you can create a visual family tree!

If you are looking for a more unique option, consider hiring a photographer to take journalistic style photos during your family reunion. These are candid shots that offer a more natural approach than posed photographs. With this style of photography, you can capture some great photos of people laughing, hugging, socializing & enjoying themselves. For some great group photography tips, check out Tips For Posing Family Portraits from Spectrum Photography Tips.

Left: Vertical or Portrait (best for individual or couple shots) Right: Horizontal or Landscape (best for group shots)

Checklist 1 Month Before The Reunion:

1. Go over your guest list and see how many photos you will be giving away as souvenirs. Will you give a photo to each guest, or one per family unit?
2. Decide if you will be taking horizontal (group) or vertical (couple) photos, or if you will be taking some of each. Also decide which size prints you will be printing – 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″ or larger.
3. Choose a mailable photo holder. You can choose a folder style print holder (where the photo is inside) or an easel photo frame. To make your photo gifts extra special, imprint your family name, reunion date & location in foil. Some families even have a family logo! This would be great to print or imprint on your photo holders. Don’t forget the mailing envelopes!
4. Purchase a guest book. Even if you have many of the addresses or your family, having a guest book is a nice touch for any large event. Guests will write their names, addresses & personal message. You can later use this “address book” for sending out all of your photos! Since most guest books are designed with a wedding theme, think outside of the box and make your own with a blank bookstore journal or a family tree guest book.
5. Buy film or clear out your memory card. Make sure that your camera works (having  back-up camera is always a good idea). Charge your batteries, get your tri-pod and make sure that you have everything you need to take great photos. If hiring a professional, now is the time to reserve a photographer.

In the days after the reunion, process & print your film and insert into your folders or frames. Address your envelopes using your guest book information and mail out your family reunion photo keepsakes!

Having a personalized photo of your reunion is more memorable than a cheap reunion t-shirt or key chain, and will provide lasting memories for your family for generations to come.

For product information on mailable paper photo frames for the family reunion photo souvenirs mentioned in this article, please view our website.

“Ideas and tips for planning a successful fishing derby this summer season.”

A fishing derby is a fun event for kids & families to get out and enjoy the weather during the lazy summer months. With a little research & planning, you can create an event that reels them in year after year.

• Location
  Choose a waterfront that has plenty of open space for participants, spectators & volunteers. A small stocked-pond or lake is best for fishing derbies geared for kids-only events, while rivers & larger lakes may be a better option for adult amateur fishermen. Get permission from parks and recreation or the owner of the land to have the event there. In most cases you will need to apply for a special permit. Do your research on the rules and regulations and contact your state’s department of natural resources for info on fishing licenses, tags & permits prior to arranging your event.
• Timing
  Before choosing your date, make sure that there are no other conflicting events going on in the area the same weekend. If there happens to be a county fair or town festival, see if you can make your fishing derby part of that larger event. The beginning of June is National Fishing Week and a great time to host a fishing-related event!
  
• Promotion
  Create a website if possible to promote your event. If you are not able to create a site, submit your event to other websites as well as the local chamber of commerce & park districts, and ask for them to add it to their community calendars. Add your event to sports registration sites like Active.com or SignMeUp.com. Create an ad in the local paper, hang signs, banners, etc. If you have sponsors, ask for them to promote your event on their website & communications. Create a Facebook group or event page. Include photos of last year’s fishing derby, start/end date, award categories, location, cost, registration details & all other details (what to wear, bring, expectations). Be as detailed as possible in your promotional materials and get the word out!
• Rentals
  Chairs and tables will need to be rented or borrowed. A tent is also a good idea to provide shade for volunteer workers or participants. If you choose a location that does not have rest rooms, you may need to rent portable toilets.
• Food
  Arrange for plenty of water, or other beverages, and snacks. Find a sponsor to donate these items. You can either do a buffet style food table, or pre-pack individual lunch bags.
• Awards & Raffles
  Offering awards is a terrific way to reward participants. Try to offer awards in different age groups or categories. Awards for “heaviest fish” or “smallest fish” add an element of fun and competition. Order trophies, ribbons or plaques with the event name, date & location. You may also want to give away a participant ribbon for everyone who signs up, especially for kid’s fishing derbies. In addition, raffle and door prizes are a fun addition to any event, and anyone can win!
• Photography
  Don’t forget the photos! Hiring a professional photographer is a great way to get quality photographs of your fishing derby. If you cannot afford to hire a professional, find a volunteer or hobbyist photographer.
  

  Event photography can make your fishing derby memorable.

  Photo souvenirs are great keepsake items for participants. Customize an inexpensive paper photo folder or cardboard frame to giveaway. In addition, these photos are also great marketing tools to promote your event next year! Take candid shots of the fishermen in action, as well as posed shots with their catch. For kid’s events, have a volunteer dress up in costume as a fish or other fun character.

• Extras
  Make sure to supply live bait or fishing lures. You may also want to have back-up poles and other essentials just in case. Music can add to a fun atmosphere, as well as balloons and decorations. Goodie bags and additional giveaway promos are added extras that can make your event stand apart. The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation offers a free Take Me Fishing™ Event Planning Kit.

The key to a successful fishing derby is generating repeat participants & growth. If you plan it right, families will want to come back year after year and make it an annual event that they look forward to participating in. You may want to take it a step further and use your event’s popularity and exposure to raise money for a local charity. Each fishing derby is as unique as it’s director and volunteers. With a strong team and creative vision, your fishing derby can be a memorable community event.