Why every convention experience deserves an instant photo print

Comicon, gaming conventions, anime cons, whatever convention it is, there’s a lot to look at. Everywhere you go, you’ll see tables of merch, insanely creative costumes and, of course, your fave celebs. 

And then, there are those moments with your friends, as you blast their hair with temporary hair colour and try to fix that one part of their costume that keeps falling off. Sometimes, those are the things you cherish the most!

Instead of losing them to the digital abyss of your smartphone, grab your instax™ instant camera and camera film and take them with you to capture memories at every convention.

The best instant camera options for conventions

The event is drawing closer, you’ve got your costume, the ticket is somewhere safe, and you’ve gathered your squad. Now all that’s missing? A camera that’ll actually do your memories justice. 

Here are some of our best instax™ cameras for remembering the conventions in photo form.

Best for a classic and creative spin

The instax mini 99™ is a classic camera in matte black that takes pictures in portrait and landscape (ideal for when you’re trying to take a group snapshot!). It’s tripod-ready and has a 10-second timer, so you can also be part of your iconic photo collection.

Here’s the twist: it’s got six built-in colour effects powered by LED magic so your pics can match the mood. Want to stick to a regular photo effect? No problem, you have that option too.

Best for selfies 

Small in size, but big on character, the instax mini 12™ is super fun and great if you want to snap quick pics. There’s even a built-in selfie mirror up front — ideal for spontaneous poses, bestie pics, or solo moments that deserve a little spotlight.

In five pastel colours to choose from, Pastel Blue, Mint Green, Blossom Pink, Lilac Purple and Clay White, you’re sure to find a shade you love. 

Best if you like being extra 

Want the option to scroll through your pics but still have access to instant prints? We’ve got the option for you. Our instax mini LiPlay™ lets you take creative images and take a peek at the photos before officially printing. Just connect it to your phone via Bluetooth to print out the final product there and then.

The unique portable camera and printer also lets you capture sound bites. Press record while you're taking the photo, and it will print out with a QR code. All you need to do is scan the code to listen to the soundbite and transport yourself back to the moment.

Best for smartphones

Love taking pictures on your smartphone, but don’t want to lose your memories? Check out our portable printers, like the instax mini Link 3™. It wirelessly connects to smartphones so you can snap and print without missing a beat.

The best instax™ film designs 

Before you go to the event, you need to pick the perfect camera film to capture the moment. We have some super bright and fun designs that can showcase the excitement of the day. Here are our top recommendations:

instax™ mini Mermaid Tail Instant Film

Capture the magic of your convention with pastel multi-coloured frames that shimmer under the light. The mermaid-tail effect perfectly frames sparkly make-up looks or hairstyles with maximum accessories. Shop instax™ mini Mermaid Tail Instant Film now.

instax™ mini Spray Art Instant Film

Go big and bold with our Spray Art, graffiti-style frames, ideal for vibrant costumes, epic comic book covers, and snapshots of recreated movie sets. It’s a great option if you want to capture an energetic and lively vibe.

instax™ mini Confetti Instant Film

The sparkling Confetti frames of pink, purple, and blue showcase the celebrations of any event. And what better way to use them than at meet-and-greets?! Chat to your favourite celeb and take a quick pic, then watch it print and develop in minutes — complete with a glittery frame. 

instax™ photo ideas

Okay, so you’ve got your camera, but what do you take pictures of? We say: what DON’T you take pictures of? Anything and everything, obviously, but here are some ideas to get you started. You can also explore tons of inspiration for any future events or celebrations. 

Get ready with me, convention style

Half the fun is getting ready, and what better way to remember the excitement before the chaos than with your Instant photo print camera? 

Snap shots of putting on cool make-up, stepping into cosplay outfits, and a carefully curated shot of you and your friends. The best thing is that you don’t have to wait to see the final photos. Our instant photo printers means you can decide on the spot if it’s worth one more quick pic.

Candid pics of conventions

Posed photos are great, but what about the snapshots of life that pass you by in an instant? The blurred moments of laughing, the buzz of the venue, your friend trying not to drop a hot dog on their costume. It’s these memories that can really capture the emotions of the event. 

If you want some in-the-moment pics, keep your camera on hand in one of our instax™ camera cases and get ready to grab it when you see something special.

Memories of meet-and-greets

Queuing up to meet your hero or heroine? Sure, a phone pic would be good, but how much cooler would it be to have an instant photo?

Take a fun selfie with them or stand together and ask your friends to capture a picture. Why not ask your meet-and-greet to sign the photo, then scribble the date on the back for a retro-inspired autograph? You could even give them a print to remember you by!

Memories after the madness

Sometimes, the best memories are after the event itself. The merch you picked up, grabbing a bite to eat  or falling asleep on the bus. Embrace that time together and get a couple of post-convention pics to show the timeline of events and the emotions with it.

What to do with your photos

You’ve got a collection of instax™ images — now what? Instead of putting your memories in a shoebox under the bed, here are some creative ideas to make sure you don’t forget the incredible time you had.

Make a collage 

Gather your photos together and arrange them on a board. It could be cork, stiff cardboard, or canvas, then pin, stick, or tape your pics on. 

You can get creative and make it comic book-inspired by adding words in a specific font or anime style with cute stickers. If you got cool merch like badges or posters, add them too and display the finished piece on your wall.

Save you snaps for birthday cards 

Give your bestie a personalised birthday card by sticking one of your photos inside, or keep it loose in the envelope so they can do whatever they want with the photo.

Make a scrapbook or photo album

Are you a regular convention goer? If so, put all your memories in one place by creating a scrapbook or photo album. 

Capture the moment at any convention

Conventions come and go in a flash, but your memories don’t have to. With the right instax™ camera and printer film, you’re ready to capture the chaos, the cosplay, the candid laughs, and every unforgettable moment in between.