How to use our instax™ Link printers to create ultra-nostalgic photo albums and displays
Get hit with the feels every time you flick through the family photo album? Feel the memories rush back when you look at your bestie’s photo display? Physical photos can evoke *major* nostalgia. It’s why we love taking instant photos at weddings and transforming our treasured instax™ prints into heartfelt gifts.
Want to nail nostalgic photography and display your snaps in a way that makes them feel even more sentimental? We’re here to show you how. With just a smartphone and one of our instax™ instant printers, connecting with the past couldn’t be easier. Follow our helpful tips and tricks to freeze your precious moments and turn them into your most memorable keepsakes yet.
Why nostalgic photos make us feel a ‘certain kinda way’...
Love that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when holding a sentimental snap? Nostalgic prints hold more than just memories — they tap into deep emotions that make us feel connected to the past. Maybe you’ve stumbled across a snap that unlocks a forgotten memory of a school friend. Or you’ve pulled out a holiday pic so clear that you can almost smell the sun lotion.
When printed onto film, our captured moments feel even more real – making them way more vivid than just a photo on a phone screen.
Play with colour to capture more nostalgia
Wondering why some photos feel more memorable than others? There’s no denying that colour has a part to play. A timeless pastel hue can instantly take us back to the warmth of a summer evening, while a soft sepia can make almost any memory feel like a classic scene.
Fancy playing with colour at home? With your instax™ printer and smartphone app, you can up the feels factor by adding iconic filters and effects to your photos. Caught your Brat summer on camera? Try this: Bring out the vibrancy of your rooftop party pics by gently increasing the contrast, then add a sparkle frame for a little extra sass.
Find the right film to make your memories pop
And let’s not forget about film. Choosing the right film for your photos helps to make every memory a mood. Not sure which of our instax™ film to go for? Here are some ideas to help you find your perfect pick:
For a classic vintage feel
Want to create a vintage vibe? If in doubt, stick to black and white. Our mini monochrome film was made for vintage-style snaps. Caught an image of an iconic building, a sassy pic of your BFF, or a classy cocktail snap from a night out? It’s guaranteed to slap with a black-and-white touch. Plus, the mini size means you can pop your pics in your purse and pull them out whenever you’re feeling sentimental.
All of our mini film is designed to be used with our instax mini Link 3™ – a small-but-mighty smartphone printer that delivers vivid photos in a flash. Pair it with our instax mini Link™ app to access fun old-school photo booth features and effects that’ll add to the vintage feel.
For the ultimate dreamy aesthetic
All about those dreamy feel-good photos? You need our instax SQUARE™ 'Sunset' Film. Frame your memories with a soft, gradient border that’ll bring back that warm, fuzzy feeling all over again. This pasted-hued film is perfect for those dreamy beach bar photos or pre-party GRWM snaps. It’s giving girl’s summer holiday/festival sunset selfie vibes.
When it comes to printing your sunset snaps, you’ll need to use our instax SQUARE Link™ printer. This powerful printer is ideal for creating prints that feel straight out of an album from the ’90s. Personalise your square prints with doodles, frames, and stickers through the app – ideal for adding an extra touch of nostalgia to your all-time favourite throwback moments.
For art gallery elegance
Obsessed with the gallery wall look? Make a statement with our sophisticated instax WIDE™ black-framed film. Whether it’s a photo of all your fav people, a cityscape shot from a memorable trip, or something a bit more abstract, this contemporary film will turn it into a work of art.
And since it’s WIDE™ film, you get even more of what you love in every shot. Use it with our instax Link WIDE™ printer to bring that big-screen energy to every shot.
Want to spend more time exploring our smartphone printers? Check out our handy smartphone printer comparison tool to compare all of our features and add-ons.
Ready to shoot? Capture realness for that ‘in-the-moment’ mood
If you just so happen to own an instax™ mini Evo camera, you can quickly create a nostalgic look by experimenting with the in-built film features and vintage lens effects. But if you want to master that nostalgic mood – no matter what camera you’re using – you need to nail your shots.
The truth is, creating iconic imagery is just as much about the photos you take as it is about the effects and instant film you use. What’s the secret to vibey nostalgic snaps? Catching those moments you wouldn’t normally notice. Think: someone cracking up in a fancy dress costume or those candid shots you take when no one’s paying attention. Some of the best snaps are of people being their real, goofy selves. They might be vibing with someone close or literally just living their best life in front of you.
Whether you’re using an instax™ film camera or just snapping pics on your phone – always aim to capture the energy of the moment. Those unposed, off-guard shots will bring back the feels every time you look at them.
Transform your instant prints into a nostalgic photo display
What’s the best way to show off your shots?
When it comes to displaying your photos, there are so many ways to make it personal. Why not do a photo wall dedicated to memories with your bestie? Add in laugh-out-loud moments, proud bestie snaps – even pics of you both with your pets. We know a friendship photo shrine might seem extra to some, but we’re all about bestie appreciation round here, so why not?
Need another idea? Dedicate a wall to a memorable year in your life, including all those must-feature moments. Maybe you once went to a party and tried to pull off the most ridiculous outfit ever? Or perhaps you have pics of your questionable parallel parking, just after you passed your driving test? These types of throwbacks spark pure nostalgia. They *need* to be on your photo wall.
Fill a photo album with fun throwbacks or sentimental snaps
If you prefer a piece of nostalgia you can hold in your palms, go for an instax™ album. Flex all those must-feature memories in a book that you can bring out when your bestie visits or flick through when you want a reminder of your mates.
Want to make something both memorable and hilarious? Create a ‘glow up’ album filled with your best then-and-now pics. Remember that hair cut they had back in year 9? Or that incriminating profile pic at the house party their parents knew nothing about? (Definitely add that in.) Invite your pals over for an evening of reminiscing and prepare for a full-on laughter fest. You’ll spend the whole time cringing at old outfits, questionable poses, and those moments that you’d definitely blocked from your memory – until now.
Does the thought of making a photo album make you feel all sentimental? Why not create an album for a close family member? You could fill it with all the moments that have shaped your relationship, then surprise them with it as a spontaneous gift. If you feel like you could go even more heartfelt, add in a letter at the end to explain why you’ve chosen to dedicate it to them. Happy tears are guaranteed, so don’t forget to throw in a tissue.
Relive every moment with instax™ cameras and printers
Whether you’re a pro at spotting those spontaneous, off-the-cuff moments or just starting to explore the power of nostalgic photography, our instax™ cameras and printers are here to bring your precious memories to life. Excited to start your instax™ journey? Head over to MyFUJIFILM to explore all of our latest cameras, printers, and accessories.
