Capture summer with our instax mini 41™ and instax mini 12™ instant cameras

From al fresco dining to illuminated festival fields, summer brings with it endless photo ops. Make the most of every iconic summer moment by capturing yours with our newest instax™ mini model: the mini 41™ or our OG instax mini 12™. 

Whether you’re jetting off to somewhere exotic or staying put in the UK, these versatile instant cameras will help you create ultra-vibey instant photos that tell your summer story in a totally unique way.

After a new instax™ camera for the summer? Get to know the mini 41™ and mini 12™

Whether you love the look of our latest instax™ mini instant camera — the instax mini 41™ — or have had your eye on the instax mini 12™, here’s why they’re the perfect picture-taking companions for freezing those precious summer memories: 

Love grabbing selfies with your besties in the sun? These cameras make it oh-so-simple. Both models feature a built-in selfie mirror that sits right next to the lens so you can jump into close-up mode, let the flash do its thing automatically, and nail those one-of-a-kind shots. Minimum effort, maximum selfie magic.  

Shutters down, air con on, but still want to carry on shooting? With the mini 41™ and mini 12™’s automatic exposure, capturing every siesta and fiesta is a breeze. Watch as your camera effortlessly adapts to your lighting, allowing you to create dreamy snaps anytime, anywhere, in an instant. 

All about capturing those unsuspecting b-roll snaps? From playing cards and ping pong rackets to perfectly peaked 99 ice creams with flakes, close-up shots have never been easier. Simply activate close-up mode and let parallax correction do the work — the viewfinder’s focus mark shifts ever-so-slightly, so your subject lands perfectly in the centre. It’s a tiny adjustment that makes a *big* difference.

Every mini moment, displayed your way: Don’t forget to display your mini prints or store them somewhere safe. Why not print your summer memories, then arrange them in a DIY instax™ mini photo album or scrapbook? If you get hit with not-so-sunny British weather, no problem. Rainy afternoons are the perfect excuse to get creative while curating.

Must-try summer picture ideas

Ready to discover some fresh instant photo ideas for summer? Whether you’re starting a summer photo challenge or want to stay in the moment and create timeless snaps to keep, capture your best shots yet with these playful picture options. 

Summer fit check 

Summer outfit game on point? Keep the sleek mini 41™ on hand to capture every #OOTD on instax™ film — ideal for storing in a style diary or scrapbook. The mini 41™’s timeless charcoal aesthetic complements any fit while letting your style take centre stage.

Want your outfit photos to feel natural and relaxed? Why not embrace style and spontaneity by snapping energy-filled candids while out and about? 

Think: a fun action shot at a zebra crossing to showcase a flowing maxi, an image of your bestie emerging from the sea in vibrant swimwear, or a low-key basketball shot in the park, featuring fresh sportswear.

And don’t forget the b-roll frames for your summer photo dumps. Use the close-up mode on the camera for flawless accessory pics. Shoot outdoor crep checks, cool shades placed on terrazzo tables, bikinis laid out on crisp bedding, and playful summer jewellery stacks. So chic.

Beaches and blue skies

Hitting the beach this summer? Whether you’re in Margate or Marbella, you’re guaranteed to get some memorable shots.

If this year’s holiday is a UK staycation, why not lean into it? After all, the British seaside aesthetic is undeniably iconic. Grab an ice cream with sprinkles and a flake, get comfy on a retro deckchair, and use the mini 12™’s selfie mirror to take the ultimate vintage-style seaside selfie.

Heading somewhere with golden sands and blue skies? Seamlessly frame your slice of paradise with the mini 12™. For more experimental shots to go alongside people-focused pics, try shooting books sitting on sun loungers, colourful parasols in front of the sea, mischievous seagulls stealing food, and pastel toenails poking out of the sand. 

The adventure shot

Embracing the great outdoors this summer? Whether you’re gearing up for full-on wilderness vibes or getting ready for the madness of a summer festival, there's something raw and real about capturing life under canvas. And the mini 12™ is perfect for those golden hour moments when the light hits your tent just right, or when your mates are gathered round sharing stories over toasted marshmallows.

Need ideas for your camping candids? Shoot hot mugs of tea clutched in cold hands, wellies lined up outside the tent, silhouettes against the tent fabric at night, or that satisfying shot of a perfectly pitched tent with rolling hills in the background.

Whether you’re heading out on a hike at dawn or warming up to see your all-time fave music act at dusk, the mini 12™'s easy shooting, compact size, and playful design make it the ideal companion for all your summer adventures.

Summer garden vibes 

It’s summer, so you know the drill. Whether it’s a birthday, an end-of-exams party, or a “just because” bash, a garden get-together is basically inevitable. To impress your guests and add extra visual interest, create a vibrant backdrop by dressing up the garden with fairy lights, piñatas, bunting, pastel table linens, and plenty of stylish seating. 

For the instant photos, bring colourful props into playful selfies, shoot jugs filled with fun beverages, and capture cute close-ups of the table dressings. These are the kind of summer snaps that come alive on instax™ film.

Park Chills

Sun-drenched afternoons in the park? Count us in. Whether you’re lounging on picnic blankets, catching up with your BFFs, or getting lost in a good book, these laid-back summer moments deserve a spot on film.

The mini 41™ makes it so easy to turn simple park days into aesthetic memories. Capture golden light through tree canopies, laughter-filled group selfies, carefree candids of frisbees mid-flight, or ice-cold drinks resting on the grass. 

Want to add extra depth? Use close-up mode to frame those small-but-mighty details. Think: the sun shining down on your BBQ setup, or wildflowers tucked into backpacks.

And if the weather takes a sudden turn? No stress. Grab a cosy shot of your mates huddled under a shared umbrella for a fun instant film photo that represents a true British summer.

City Explorer

Spending summer in the city? Markets, buzzing streets, and historic corners are all waiting to be captured. Whether you’re getting lost in a city overseas or embracing urban chaos at home, your summer city shots should feel dynamic, energetic, and full of authenticity.

Why not start with movement? Shoot commuters weaving between each other, neon signs flickering to life, or skaters gliding past graffitied walls. Then, switch gears and go intimate. Think: foamy coffee cups on café tables, the intricate beadwork on a street vendor’s handmade jewellery, or the reflection of city lights in sunglasses.

Feeling extra creative? Play with multi-image storytelling for a framed photo display or Instagram carousel. Grab a shot of a bustling market entrance, a zoomed-in image of overflowing fruit stalls, then a final close-up of your purchase in hand. It’s literally the perfect summer story arc.

The effortless operation of both the mini 12™ and the mini 41™ means you can flow seamlessly from full frame shots to easy-to-miss details, so every city adventure is captured exactly as you see it.

instax™ mini film options

Make no mistake about it — your summer snaps deserve more than just ordinary film. And with our instax™ mini film collection, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

After the perfect film for sunsets, outfit pics, and stylish summer selfies? Stock up on our pastel Pink Lemonade film. Or, if you’re not one to restrict yourself to a single shade, go for our multihued mini Mermaid Tail film — the metallic border’s ideal for framing dreamy evenings on the beach. 

Obsessed with anything old school or retro? Use our timeless Monochrome mini film for minimal black and white seagull snaps or towering skyscrapers and palm trees shot from below.

Love an analogue-style border? Our mini Contact Sheet film gives you that effortless vintage look in an instant. Use it for sportswear fits, playful portraits, or moody coffee shop moments to amp up the edginess. 

Start your summer right with instax™ cameras and printers

Celebrating someone’s birthday this summer? Why not give the gift of instax™ snaps? We have loads of instax™ accessories for you to explore. Check out our mini frames, magnets, photo blocks, and more. There are so many ways to make it personal.

Prefer to get crafty with a DIY gift instead? Explore our other blog posts for instax™ mini makes, loads more photo inspo, and themed gift ideas throughout the year.