Pro hacks for your instax™ photo album
Got a phone full of snaps and wondering what to do with them? Maybe you have a stack of instax™ prints you haven’t gotten around to displaying yet. A printed photo album might be old school but it’s got a charm that just can’t be replicated.
Think about it: there’s something magical about holding a tangible photo, feeling the texture of the film, and flipping through an album like a vintage scrapbook. It’s that tactile connection that gives instant photo albums their nostalgic vibe. But why stop there? By mixing in modern elements like bold layouts, funky captions, and a pop of colour, you can create an album that’s both retro and fresh.
To level up your instax™ photo album game, we’ve got some pro tips that will make your memories stand out.
Do people use photo albums any more?
Do you remember goggling over old photo albums at your grandparents’ place when you were younger? Printed photo albums might seem old-fashioned but it's totally possible to bring them into 2024, too. Besides, IRL photo albums bring a host of benefits, making them a top choice for displaying your instax™ prints.
Photo albums are great for storing your instant snaps when your walls are full or you've run out of desk space for a frame. But more than that, they’ll protect your photos, too.
Unlike digital pics, printed photos are immune to tech issues like file loss or glitches. They can still fade or get crumpled though, so an album can help them stay safe and look as fresh as the day they were printed.
Plus, you can share the experience of looking through photo albums. Next time your bestie comes over, you can show them the instant photos from your travels together. Or you can present your partner with an album filled with snaps from your favourite date nights over the years.
Make your instant print photo album pop with these top tips
You’ve got yourself an empty album. You know which photos you want to print. Now what? If you want to get the best results from your instax™ photo album — whether it’s dedicated to your festival trips, filled with portraits of your fur baby, or simply showcasing a mix of snaps from the past year — check out these tips.
1. Choose your instant photo format
First, think about the instant print photo film you want. Our pocket-sized instax mini prints™ are perfect for showcasing spontaneous snaps in an album for a playful, compact feel.
Then there’s the SQUARE format. Balanced and artsy, these prints are great for curated shots and storytelling. Want a sleek aesthetic? Go SQUARE.
Got loads of group shots and landscapes? Our WIDE film is perfect for going big and bold.
Of course, you can always mix and match. Include an array of film types in your instax™ album for a dynamic and eclectic look.
2. Theme it up
Choosing a theme for your instant photo album is a great way to keep it cohesive — and it can be as precise or loose as you fancy. Choose your photos by type of event, like your gap year travels or cute date nights. Alternatively, it could be a reflection on your past year, with a chronological selection of photos representing each month.
The beauty of an instax Link photo printer™ is that you can take your time finding the best photos — the ones that crack you up or hit you in the feels. So have a scroll through and narrow down your selection to the pics that have the most impact — once you’re ready to print, it’s a doddle with the instax Link app™. (P.S you know you can use the app to edit your snaps, too, right?)
Film designs
Your theme doesn’t have to stop with the photo content, either. Get creative with the way you display your snaps by choosing fun film designs.
- If you’re feeling bold and bright, opt for vibrant Rainbow prints or our Spray Art design.
- For a contemporary feel, consider pairing Black and Stone Grey frames.
- If you’re into keeping it simple and chic, a minimalist theme with Monochrome shots, clean lines, and plenty of white space could be the way to go.
Want to create a cute look? Try pastel shades, like our Macaroon shots or magical Mermaid Tail film.
3. Play with layouts
Your photo layout can make all the difference, too.
The Insta grid
One idea? Go for a grid layout if you’re into that sleek, organised look — just like your Instagram profile. It’s perfect for showing off a series of related shots, like a travel adventure or a day out with friends.
Layer up
If you’re feeling more artsy, try a collage with photos at different angles, sizes, and even layers. Overlapping photos can create a sense of movement and spontaneity, making your album feel like a living, breathing scrapbook of your life.
Time flies
Want something more structured but still fun? Consider a timeline layout, where you arrange photos in chronological order to tell a story and draw a bar with timeline checkpoints.
It could be a collection of pet pictures, showing your puppy growing up — from the days of gangly legs and giant paws to the phase where they chewed everything, and on to their latest ‘pupdates’ as a fully-grown companion.
4. Add some Insta-worthy titles and captions
Let’s be real: Titles and captions are where your personality shines. They’re your chance to add a voice to your instax™ photo album, turning simple photos into stories, jokes, or memories that resonate. And when it comes to captions, don’t hold back — be bold, quirky, and true to yourself.
Start with some punchy titles that match the vibe of your album. Laid back, sophisticated, cheese it up with puns — you decide.
Adding captions to your snaps also adds another dimension. It could be as simple as adding a date, so you can remember exactly when the picture was taken. Alternatively, include something a little more detailed or meaningful. Handwritten captions add to the sense of nostalgia but you could also type something out and stick it in.
Your captions don’t have to be literal, either. They can be a favourite quote, a song lyric, or even an inside joke. Whatever speaks to you and adds that extra layer to your photos.
However you do it, instax™ frames offer the perfect little caption space, so why not make the most of it?
5. Make it a work in progress
You can put your instant photo album together in one go, sure. But it’s also a nice idea to let it evolve over time. After any big event, print a couple of photos that sum it up. Or when you get a photo you just adore — print it. With an instax Link Printer™, it’s super easy. You don’t need to wait until you have hundreds of photos ready to go so you can make the most of the printing delivery fee. Instead, you can print off one, two, three, or dozens of photos when you feel like it.
Adding photos to an album gradually is a great way to ensure you print the photos that really matter, rather than feeling like you have to fill up the pages.
Meet your match: Which instax Link printer™ is for you?
So, whether you’re planning to add a big batch of instax™ prints to your photo album in one go or you want to snap, print, and stick a little at a time, how do you know which is the best at-home photo printer for you?
Each of our instax Link printers™ can help you relive the moment. In a few easy steps, you can send snaps from your phone reel to your instax Link™ app, make it your own with some editing features, then print. But each printer also has its own unique features. See which of the following fits best with your photo album goals.
- After snaps in the moment? If you want the best of both worlds — carefully curated photos and some in-the-moment spontaneity, the instax mini Link 3™ is just what you need. With Click-to-Collage mode, you can transform your smartphone into an in-app photo booth. This feature captures six images in a row and lets you print a collage or turn all six into an animation for easy sharing.
- Keen for QR codes? The instax WIDE Link printer™ lets you add QR codes to your photos, leading you to secret messages, voices, notes, and more. It’s the perfect way to add a multimedia dimension to your photo album.
- Want to make it interactive? For those who want a hybrid approach, the instax SQUARE Link™ printer is a top choice. As well as printing stunning SQUARE photos, it features AR capabilities that let you add digital overlays, animations, and interactive elements to your prints.
Snap, print, reminisce with instax™
No matter what aesthetic you want for your pics, there are plenty of ways to make an instant photo album that represents you and you’ll love looking back on. Find the instax Link Printer™ to suit your vibe and unleash your photos from their reel.
