7 Photography Tips to Elevate Your Aesthetic

Photos by Kathleen Owens, Design by Clara Shader-Seave

Capturing memories has always been important to me. Since I was five years old, I’ve carried a camera wherever I go, documenting moments and, eventually, art directing my own life. Before social media, my photos remained in scrapbooks or in frames. Now, anyone with an internet connection has access to what I put out there, emphasizing that the photos we post are digital representations of who we are. That’s why taking time to craft your own aesthetic — a visual theme or vibe — is important. Whether you’re sharing a photo of your girl dinner or a selfie in your new suede jacket, every photo has something to say.

Curating an aesthetic that’s meaningful to you is not only a fun exercise in self-expression, it’s also an art form. Nothing gets my creativity flowing more than shooting content. You don’t have to be an influencer or own a professional camera to share your story, either. That’s the beauty of it. My instax mini 12™ camera is perfect for taking artistic snapshots that reflect my personality. The instant camera is easy to use (there’s only two settings) and because it shoots with film, every photo I take is intentional. There’s also a nostalgic element you just can’t achieve with a phone or a digital camera — every photo has a retro flair, which is a whole vibe unto itself.

While I also shoot with a DSLR, my instax mini 12™ prioritizes authenticity over perfection, which is refreshing in a space that’s typically edited and filtered. You also never know exactly how your instax® print is going to turn out, which is part of the charm. If you’re looking to step up your aesthetic — or you’re holiday shopping and know someone else who is — consider the instax mini 12™ your key to unlocking a new level of creativity. Utilize the photography tips below to get the most out of your experience.