Photo-a-day challenge: instax™ camera edition

Always wanted to try the iconic ‘one photo a day’ challenge? Also known as ‘Project 365’, this viral photography trend has been around for a while now, but we thought we’d put our own spin on things. 

Wanna get involved? Grab your instax™ instant camera, stock up on plenty of film, and get ready to document all the action (and non-action) in your life over the next 365 days.  

Why take a picture every day?

Bit of a commitment phobe? The 365 photography project might sound like a big commitment, but honestly, it’s SO worth it.

Life moves fast, and before you know it, the little details start to slip through the cracks. Those lowkey ‘me-time’ moments, the late-night squad chaos; the lazy loungewear Sundays with your housemates – they can all start to fade if we don’t capture them.

Not sure you’ll have enough stuff to take photos of? Trust us – there are photo ops *everywhere*. 

Finally nailed that viral pasta recipe? In fits of laughter while watching reruns of Friends? Dragged along to a gig that you had zero interest in attending and (shockingly) ended up enjoying every second? Those moments were made to be captured.

Maybe you’ve always craved a little Zen in your life? It’s time to reconnect with you, boo. 

Taking everyday snaps helps you to spot sneaky patterns in your routine, see how your mood shifts with the seasons (fellow SAD sufferers, we got you) – maybe even tap into parts of your personality that have been on mute for way too long.

And the beauty of doing all of this with an instax™ camera? Those memories become something you can keep IRL, not just pixels in your camera roll.

Which camera is the best pick for Project 365?

When shooting your year, the right camera makes all the difference. So pick something that suits your vibe.

Always on the go and afraid you might miss a shot? Our instax mini LiPlay™ camera is your 365 photography challenge BFF. Slip it into your bag or pocket, and snap whenever you want. Aside from being compact and easy-to-carry, it also doubles up as a smartphone printer. So, if you just so happen to leave it at home, you can just use your phone instead. Result.

Prefer the feel of a classic instant camera? Our SQUARE SQ40™ camera is for you. Not only does it shoot timeless SQUARE snaps, but it also offers a twist-activated selfie mode for speedy self-portraits in a flash. Oh, and it looks insanely chic too. 

All about capturing the big picture (literally)? If you envision yourself shooting lots of landscapes and wider scenes, go for our instax WIDE 400™ camera. This retro-looking analogue camera offers even more of what you love in every frame. Plus, the handy tilt-and-shoot feature allows you to nail those self-timer shots. Wanna do a group photo as your image of the day? Go for it.

Finding inspo for your daily snaps

Documenting stuff can feel repetitive if there’s no variety in your day. But, sometimes, you just need a new POV. That obligatory morning latte? Serve it in a classy cup. Capture those frothy peaks. Try some latte art. Find beauty in the stains left on the cup after you’ve had your caffeine fix. 

Treat your daily commute to work the same way (even if it’s just a lap round the block ‘cause you’re WFH). Don’t just look straight ahead; gaze up at the rooftops, peer down at the cracks in the pavement, capture a shot of colourful concert posters peeling off a wall. Some days will naturally offer more material, but the real fun lies in capturing the beauty of the everyday. 

Doing this can force you to switch up your routine, too.

Creature of habit, always gravitating towards certain fits? Take the same old route to work every single day? Recognising these little comfort rituals can inspire you to mix things up and step out of your comfort zone. 

Plus, when you have an entire year’s worth of photos, it’s practically impossible to not ‘see the bigger picture’.

Displaying your year in photos

Don’t wait till the end of the year for your photos to start piling up? Have a plan for where you’re gonna put them.

Obsessed with having photos everywhere? Add your images to a photo wall or a large frame for a striking timeline of your year, that will also add character to your room.

Love the idea of keeping an old-school diary? Store your photos inside a journal, and write a short entry every day. If you want to amp up the 90s/Y2k vibes, invest in your very own fluffy pen, add some cute key charms – and don’t forget the signature padlock. It’ll give straight-up Clueless energy. Cher would be proud.

Why not share your photo journey on socials? Use your instax™ app to edit your shots, then add them to Insta, and let others see the world through your eyes. You’re also guaranteed to find inspo from other fellow ‘Photo a Day’ enthusiasts. 

Don’t ghost on your goals (You’ve got this)

A photo every day? Piece of cake, right? Maybe for some, but even the most committed creators can hit a wall. The key to sticking it out is making the challenge work for you. 

Make sure you build photography into your daily routine. Pair it with something you already do, like your morning skincare ritual or your daily meal deal dash. And remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Some days will feel uninspired, and that’s okay – a candid, messy snapshot can be just as meaningful as a photo framed to perfection.

Need more motivation? Turn the challenge into a New Year’s resolution and invite one of your BFFs to do it with you. Sharing the journey not only keeps you motivated, but it can also inspire new ideas. You never know. Once the year’s up, your collection of photos might even spark your next big goal.

4 final tips for taking snaps that slap

1. Before you start snapping, look at what others are doing, and scribble down a few options that you want to try yourself. This can help for those days when you’re completely out of ideas. 
2. Put your all into the challenge, and experiment. Think: ‘I’m in my photography era, and I’m going to slay this.’ Try different filters, bokeh effects, motion blur, light leaks, unusual compositions, and more. You’ve got an entire year to try stuff out. Make the most of it. 
3. Be kind to yourself. Not happy with your shot of the day? Resist the urge to get rid. And definitely don’t beat yourself up about it. Staying true to your snaps will add realness to your photo collection. Besides, you’ve got tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day to take more. 
4. Embrace limitations. It sounds counterintuitive – especially when social media makes it seem like everyone is out living their best lives 24/7 – but leaning into the ordinary can legit make your snaps more interesting. Your theme could literally be only taking photos of your room, your evening meals, or your desk at work. When you set limitations, it forces you to think more creatively, and become better at taking pictures. 
5. Finally, be open to self discovery. This isn’t just about cool photos or surface-level stuff. It’s a challenge that allows you to go deeper. From your major milestones to those teeny tiny details, every image is part of your life story, and that’s something that’s well worth capturing.

Your instax™ instant camera era starts here

Ready to serve up some instax™ photo realness? We want to see your progress throughout the year. If you’re taking part in our challenge, make sure you tag @instaxHQ on Instagram. And don’t forget to let us know which of our instant cameras or smartphone printers you use. We love getting inspo from you, too.

Making photography ‘your thing’ for 2025? Take a peek at our latest camera accessories. From glittery cases to stylish camera bags, we have all the extras you need to document your life through a lens – and do it in a way that’s unapologetically you.