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Summer Camp Picture Frames: 5 Cute Ideas Kids & Parents Will LoveSummer camp picture frame ideas

Summer Camp Picture Frames: 5 Cute Ideas Kids & Parents Will Love

Published February 4, 2022

Deciding what to give the kids for camp giveaways can be tricky. Sometimes, it’s a small budget that keeps you from giving what you want. Other times, it’s trying to decide what you can give that ALL the campers will enjoy.

It’s a tough decision. But one thing that almost always works? Picture frames. Here’s why:

  • Want to be a camp budget hero? Summer camp picture frames made out of paper are an inexpensive giveaway.
  • If the kids don’t like the frame, we bet the parents or grandparents will love it! It’s a win-win.

Full-color printed frames with summer camp theme

DIY isn’t for everyone. And that’s ok! For those who want an easy summer camp picture frame gift, check out our printed frames.

We can create fully custom printed paper picture frames that make the perfect end-of-camp giveaways for campers—or their parents.

Design it to match the camp theme (or we’ll help!).

Custom printed summer camp picture frame
Shown: Custom printed picture frame for summer campground. We can make frames like this match your camp theme! Learn more about printed picture frames.

Camp craft: let campers decorate blank picture frames

Decorate with stickers, washi tape, stamps, or scrapbooking embellishments. Or pick up small sticks or leaves and glue them to the frame.

However you choose to let kids decorate, these easy camping picture frame craft is something that parents (or grandparents!) will love as a gift from summer camp.

DIY Instax Picture Frames with Decorations
An easy camp craft idea: decorate your own camp frames. Shown: Fuji Instax Wide Frame.

An interactive camp picture frame

For when you want a hint of DIY but want your camp design on it. Here’s how to design interactive camp picture frame crafts:

  1. Design the frame with your camp theme.
  2. Leave a space for campers to full in the blank with a thought, picture, or quick doodle.
  3. That’s it!
Instax Mini summer camp picture frame
The event planners left a blank space for people to fill in their thoughts. Shown: Fuji Instax Mini Picture Frame.

Coloring book picture frame

It’s a craft and camp giveaway in one clever package! You simply design a frame with a coloring book pattern, we’ll print it, and your campers color it in! Crayons works, as do colored pencils. Markers give a vibrant splash of color, but be careful! They can smear easily on the paper frames.

Greeting cards as picture frames… gifts for loved ones

Not a traditional picture frame, photo insert cards can be used as a frame… but first, kids get to send them as a greeting card.

These 5″ x 7″ picture frame cards hold a 4″ x 6″ photo. Have campers write a note inside, and that’s it! These photo insert cards come with envelopes, so they are super easy to mail to loved ones or friends. And once they get the card, they can frame it! The card frame border acts as a simple matting for the photo, so just slide the whole thing in a 5″ x 7″ picture frame.

Recycled kraft photo frame card for 4x6 photo
Take a photo of the camper, mail the card to loved ones from camp. Campers can decorate the card or just write a note inside.

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Why Instax and Polaroid cameras are making a comeback as alternatives to photo boothsInstax & Polaroid cameras are the new DIY photo booth

Why Instax and Polaroid cameras are making a comeback as alternatives to photo booths

Published December 2, 2019

Don’t get us wrong, photo booths with an iPad or dSLR camera are going nowhere.

However.

Those adorable, vintage-style film cameras? Yeah, film isn’t dead.

But… why? Why are so many people choosing Polaroid or Instax over a standard photo booth? We’ve already shared 10 reasons to have a photo booth.

Now here are 5 reasons why pictures from instant cameras are a great alternative to the modern day photo booth

1. Vibrant Colors.

Film has come a long way. But those instant prints all have something in common: color. Often producing vibrant colors—more-so than what our eyes can see—these instant prints bring images to life in a whole new way.

A man holds an Instax Mini picture of himself standing in front of a brightly-colored graffiti wall
Vibrant colors + defined contrast in highlights and shadows = Instax magic. Image by StockSnap from Pixabay.

2. Soft Lines.

Let’s face it, instant camera prints aren’t crystal-clear in focus. But that just adds to the charm, right? Those softer lines give that vintage feel of photographs taken before digital cameras were a thing. While not noticeable to some, this softer, dreamy quality is something that film photography hobbyists and aficionados can appreciate.

But it is important to note that—especially if you’re shooting the images yourself—there are ways to reduce the blur. From Polaroid’s website, they note some common causes of blurry photos include:

  • Long shutter speed
  • Flash not firing (depends on the cameral; some have automatic flash)
  • Camera isn’t focused on your subject

3. Sentiment-inducing white border.

What is it about that white border? For many—perhaps the Gen X-ers—had many Polaroid prints from their parents or grandparents. So using these at a wedding or party is a throwback to a simpler time, a simpler way to view photos.

Plus, that nifty white border leaves plenty of room for adding a little note to the person you’re giving the picture to (even if it is yourself!).

4. It’s an easy DIY photo booth option

If you have your own Instax or Polaroid camera, then this is an affordable route for you to take. The film can cost about $1 per print, so take that into consideration when budgeting for your event.

The fun part of a DIY Instax or Polaroid photo booth is that you can let guests do their own thing. Leave the camera on a table (have someone watch over it!), and they can take their own photos for a unique perspective for each image.

Or, set up your own photo backdrop and assign someone to take pictures of the guests.

Whichever route you take, this relaxed, DIY photo booth idea is perfect for informal events or parties with kids. Because, really, how many kids do you know who would think a Polaroid print developing was some sort of magic?

One last note about a DIY Polaroid or Instax photo booth: this can be a really fun option! If you want the vintage charm of these prints, but want your pictures to look professional, there are professionals who shoot with these camera! The benefit of hiring a pro is that they know how to photograph people, and they know how to create the best lighting for those photos.

Instax Mini print of a bride and groom lays on a black table with a gold seal and leaf decorations
DIY wedding photo booth with an Instax Mini camera? Why not! Photo by Luke Lung on Unsplash.

5. The option for digital

While not all instant cameras come with a digital storage option, this is becoming the norm. This is perfect for when you want to send guests home with a photo, but you want one, too.

Isn’t it great when analog and digital play nicely with each other?

How to frame your Instax or Polaroid prints—and why you should

If you’re throwing a party where branding matters, hosting a fundraiser, or celebrating your wedding vows, why not personalize the party a little more?

Framing your instant camera prints is smart because:

  • It protects your prints. It’s amazing how an extra layer of cardstock can protect your prints from creases, smudges, or worse, getting left behind.
  • Lets guests display their photos. Sending guests home without a frame means those pictures—those memories—might be put in a drawer and forgotten. Why not give them a way to show off those memories.
  • It’s another thing for you to personalize. Depending on the frame you choose, you can add event branding, a company logo, or a sweet little thank you note from the bride and groom.
Father's Day Polaroid picture frame for a fishing trip. Frame is sitting outside on a red picnic table.
Paper Polaroid frame with a custom-designed border. Design your own Polaroid frames at StudioStyle.com.

Do you use an Instax or Polaroid for event photography?

We get a lot of orders for paper frames for instant camera prints, so we know people are using them. But we love hearing how these charmingly vintage cameras help bring your event to life! Let us know in the comments below how you’ve used one at your event.

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Fuji Instax SHARE SP-2 & SP-3 Printers: Print Your Event Photos on the Go!How to print photos using the Instax SHARE SP-2 & SP-3 Printers

Fuji Instax SHARE SP-2 & SP-3 Printers: Print Your Event Photos on the Go!

Published December 6, 2016

Note: This post originally covered just the SP-2 printer. It has been updated to include the SP-3 printer.

Want to print your event photos on the go? The Fuji Instax SHARE Printers lets you instantly transfer photos from your smartphone via Bluetooth so you can print them out on the spot.

Whether you use it for printing Instax photos for friends and family, or do a fun DIY photo booth, these affordable Instax printers add that vintage, instant-print charm to your photos.

How do event and party planners used Instax printers?

We love this printer as an alternative for event photography. Now, if the event calls for it, hire a professional. But if it’s a casual event, or you want that free-and-easy, vintage flair that Instax prints offer, here’s where party planners are using Instax prints and frames:

  • Birthday party favors
  • Photo ops at fundraisers
  • DIY photo booth prints
  • Summer fairs and festivals
  • Sports games
  • Animal adoption events (bonus: unlike the flash, which is auto on many Instax cameras, you don’t need to use flash on your phone or tablet—no scaring wary animals!)
  • Holiday photos with Santa or the Easter Bunny
  • Halloween costume party photos
  • School or church events

The DIY event photography possibilities are endless! But let’s learn about the printers.

Fujifilm Instax SHARE SP-2: Print Instax Mini Photos From Your Phone or Tablet

The SP-2 model prints 62mm x 46mm images—just like those adorable Instax Mini prints. This printer features high-speed printing (just 10 seconds!) and produces high-quality, high-resolution images with an impressive 320dpi.

To print your Instax Mini photos from your phone or tablet, all you have to do is download Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link app. In the app, you can edit photos and select from templates provided by Fuji. Templates include split, collage, real time (with date, place, weather, temperature, AND humidity!), limited edition, and more.

Instax SHARE SP-2 review from a professional photographer

Here’s what travel photographer Kien Lam has to say about the SP-2 printer, plus you get a good overview on what the inside of the printer looks like, and how to load your film.

Instax Share SP-2 printer sits on a black table, surrounded by various decorations and tools.
Instax SHARE SP-2 in Gold. Photo by Luke Lung on Unsplash

Fujifilm Instax SHARE SP-3: Print Instax Square Photos From Your Phone or Tablet

The Instax SHARE SP-3 isn’t a step up for Instax printing, it’s a printer designed for those who just prefer a different photo format. If you love the look of Instax Square prints, you want the SP-3 printer.

Though it take a little longer to print than the SP-2 (13 seconds for your print), you get a 62mm x 62mm print with a resolution of 318dpi. That’s a fun size at an impressive resolution.

Like the SP-2, all you have to do is download the free Instax Square Link app. The SHARE app works for both the SP-2 and SP-3 printers, so you’ll see the same editing features and template options.

Instax SHARE SP-3 review from a professional photographer

Here’s what architectural photographer Usmand Dawood has to say about the SP-3 printer. Not only does Usmand review the SP-3, he also talks about the pros and cons of the app from a professional photographer’s standpoint.

Don’t forget to frame your Instax Mini & Square prints

We have paper frames for your Instax square prints. Choose from 25 themed designs, buy a blank white frame for a DIY party favor, or design a paper frame with YOUR branding and we’ll print it.

Studio Style has a collection of 30+ themed Instax Mini paper frames and 25 themed Instax Square paper frames. Christmas, Halloween, red carpet, sports, and more—we have designs for the most popular event themes.

Don’t want one of our themes? No problem. Download a Mini or Square frame template and design it yourself, complete with your logo, branding, or event visuals. (P.S. If you need help designing your frames, our creative designers can help bring your vision to life!)

Small paper frame for Instax Square picture. Designed for a Father's Day fishing trip.

Want to take the DIY approach to Instax picture frame party favors? We have plain white Instax Mini frames and blank Instax Square paper frames. Let your guests decorate the blank frames with markers, gel pens, stickers, or—if you’re daring—glitter. Decorating your own frames is a fun activity for the kids at any event.

Featured image credit: Juliana Malta on Unsplash

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