Capture Moments with One Click

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I left the boys with Justin the other night and was at the grocery store alone – a rare gift these days! I saw a young dad pushing a shopping cart.

In the cart was a car seat with a light blanket over top – it was clear that the baby inside must have been sleeping, and there was a toddler sitting in the upper seat by the handle. The dad looked tired. It was pretty late in the day to have little kids at the store.

At the checkout, I heard the baby in the car seat start to cry from a few aisles over. It was a new baby cry. I wanted so badly to go over to him and try to help but I didn’t want him to feel like he wasn’t capable to do it himself. And then I thought about just smiling and saying something like, “it will get better!” but I didn’t want to imply that it didn’t seem fine at that very moment! Babies cry sometimes, and that doesn’t mean you are in the trenches necessarily.

But what if he was? What if his wife had just handed the kids over upon his return from work and said, “please take them somewhere I need to be alone.”

I thought about him during the drive home and wished I had said something encouraging. “I’ve been there!” or some sort of camaraderie type phrase, even if it wouldn’t have been necessary. Because these are long days. They can push you to your limit, and sometimes beyond, but they are the best days of my life. Of that I am very sure.

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David is two, and Luke is one year old. Other than about 15 hours a week between my job and other activities, I’m with them all day. Justin works a traditional 8-5p so we do family time in the evening when he comes home and spend the weekends together.

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Some days, I’m waiting for 5:00p anxiously so my partner can tag team with me! Other days, the time slips away and dinnertime comes all too quickly.

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There is such a small window of time where my boys will need me like they need me now. They won’t always crawl on me like I’m their personal jungle gym. They won’t always sit on my lap to read books. They won’t always ask for a “sh-nack” or say “dadadadadadada”. David won’t greet me with extreme joy and enthusiasm every time I go into his room to get him up. “HI MAMA!” he says, and then immediately begins to tell me how his two buddies, a stuffed cat and a stuffed monkey, are “best buh-ddies!” Luke won’t always rest his head on my shoulder and suck his thumb only to then whip his head up, look me in the eye and smile. He won’t always smash his face into his blanket when he goes down for a nap.

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They won’t always be easily entertained and fascinated by how high Justin can hold the cup of water to pour into the bath.

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These are the days. And I try my best to just absorb the sweetness and the things I want to remember. Taking photos helps, of course, and the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 served the purpose for that very thing. I got the camera last week and I can’t believe how much I’m enjoying it. I’m on social media for the blog, and love sharing photos on Instagram. I love shooting with my DSLR’s fancy lens in a styled area.

But there has been something so much more special about snapping quick little photos on the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 that I’m loving a million times more than any photo I’ve taken on my phone or camera. It could be the emotion tied to looking at a photo that resembles the old photos I’ve seen of my parents. Or it could be that it’s a representation of that specific moment that you only have one chance to get because you only have 10 shots in your film cartridge. Whatever it is, I’ve taped these little photos all over my house, in areas where I spend the most time like my office and the kitchen, and I love glancing at them during the day.

I’ve also realized that this is the perfect camera for actually putting photos in the boys’ baby books! It’s a few extra steps to print off photos from Instagram or even photos saved onto my computer, but this camera makes it simple which means I’m more likely to do it! I think this would make a really sweet gift for a couple expecting their first baby, or even a newlywed couple. It’s fun to use and will give you some of the sweetest, or funniest, photos of moments you want to remember. ย 

Tell us in a comment below what you do to make photos fun for a chance to WIN a $100 Visa gift card.

Entry Instructions:

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You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: โ€œ#MyInstaxSweepsโ€ and tag @Instax; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

ย The Official Rules are availableย here.

This sweepstakes runs from 3/21/16 โ€“ 4/30/16.

ย Make sure to check outย Fujifilm Instax Camera.

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Holly says · 03.23.16

Kate, you have a beautiful family! Do enjoy those little guys… I have three boys and my oldest two are 8 and 5. I don’t know where the time went. Children are such a blessing.

I think the best trick to have fun pictures and doable pictures with little kids is to catch them spontaneously playing. Getting them to pose is nearly impossible, as I’m sure you already know. ๐Ÿ™‚

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Rachel says · 03.23.16

That camera looks neat & of course your boys are adorable. My 2 year old loves seeing them on snap chat!

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Alisia domer says · 03.23.16

My favorite time to take pictures is when they don’t know I am taking them. I love the unpised moments of everyday life.

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Ashley says · 03.23.16

Love love love your blog! But what about showing some love to Canadian fans? ?????

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Donna says · 03.23.16

When my children were little, I would let them take the pictures. We would print the pictures and then put them into their own photo album. This way they could still look at their pictures and I wouldn’t worry about the pictures being ruined. We still have these albums some 16 and 19 years later. I love looking at them through the eyes of my children.

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Misty says · 03.23.16

It is fun to take pictures when everyone is looking at the camera and smiling! ๐Ÿ™‚

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Ashley says · 03.23.16

I make photos fun by trying to catch unique candid moments of friends and family.

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Sara Thoele says · 03.23.16

My trick to making pictures fun is using my zoom lens and being “away” from the action…. the kids smile and laugh and I get to catch the “real” them in the photos….. some of my favorite pictures were taking from me hiding away from them and snapping away without them knowing it! ๐Ÿ™‚

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frizzy says · 03.23.16

I like taking photos from unique angles to make them more fun. I also love using different photo editing apps to improve upon them!

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Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says · 03.23.16

I love taking photos of my cat! haha He’s my favorite!

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Carly says · 03.23.16

I love the candid photos – anything that captures the reality of the moment and allows the memory to be preserved!

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Meredith says · 03.23.16

Having three kids, I know exactly what you are talking about. We have a dress up box and love digging in it for props to use to make really funny characters. This camera would be perfect for instant gratification to see what we created. Thank you for the opportunity to win!

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Leighanne Truelove says · 03.23.16

I have a wild 17 month old girl. She tends to make things fun in her own way by getting into everything or pretending to have a conversation withme. I looooove using the snapchat filters on her, she can interact with them and it makes for some pretty funny pictures and videos.

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Sam M says · 03.23.16

Since it’s just my husband and I we are mastering the stop light selfie and it’s definitely one of our favorites. ๐Ÿ™‚

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Emmie Peters says · 03.23.16

I have had my eye on this camera for awhile and I like how you talk about the convenience of it! I try to make photos fun by how I display them afterwards. What makes taking a picture better to me is seeing it afterwards and having them memories of that time whenever I see it.

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kathy olson says · 03.23.16

You are so right. My oldest is now 25 and I remember so well when he was a toddler. I can’t believe how fast it really went.
I always loved snapshots of them walking ahead of me when they were little. I liked capturing the back of their head and wanted to always remember them from that angle, too.

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Mandy says · 03.23.16

I like to catch photos of my kids while they’re doing something they love. It seems like that’s when I get the best authentic smiles! My very favorite photo of our oldest daughter (7 years old) is one I caught of her while she was snuggled up under a blanket, reading on the front porch. Every time I look at the photo my heart swells because her eyes are so happy. I’ve also learned not to ask my 2 year old to smile. If I do we end up with a super scrunchy face and I can’t even see his eyes, hah! But even those photos are so sweet and I’m sure I’ll look back on them and smile.
The biggest thing I’ve learned about taking photos as a parent: leave your expectations at the door. If I try too hard to get a certain kind of photo, we all end up frustrated. It’s a lot better to just take things as they come.

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Sara says · 03.23.16

I like to make fun photos by going outside! Natural light is always much more flattering and who doesn’t love enjoying the outdoors?

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Stephanie says · 03.23.16

The camera looks like a lot of fun. Instant memories you can hold in your hand!

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Laura says · 03.23.16

I love spontaneous photos of my children and family. I struggle too with actually printing them!! This camera seems to be ideal for a busy mom. Thanks for the info, Kate.

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Ann says · 03.23.16

My boyfriend and I have to balance a “normal” picture with a crazy picture, usually me trying to bite his head. ๐Ÿ™‚ I was just looking at that camera last week! Seems like it’d be so nice to have in a digital world.

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Amy Anderson says · 03.23.16

we make pictures fun by taking selfies! my 1 year old daughter loves to make silly faces and try to grab the phone!

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Becky E says · 03.23.16

Our toddler loves ‘selfies’ with Mom or Dad so we let him see the picture we’re taking! It guarantees that I’m in a couple photos at least instead of playing family photographer.

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Bree says · 03.23.16

My husband is the photog in our family. To make photos fun, he just blends in with everything and everyone around him. I rarely notice when he has his camera out, and lately he’s been catching adorable photos of our 18 month old and her great-grandma, so full of joy and happiness. To make photos fun, he simply catches life moments that I will cherish forever.

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Jenn Harder says · 03.23.16

OMG – I use to love my polaroid camera in high school. I really enjoy the instant the image start to turn and you can see it!

Making photo fun is pretty easy when you have children that are 7, 5, 5, and 17 months…life is just fun!

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Ashley says · 03.23.16

I get my husband to make my son smile. He gets the best ones!

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Mami2jcn says · 03.23.16

We make photos fun by taking action shots.

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Mami2jcn says · 03.23.16

tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/712632484106731521

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Erin says · 03.23.16

To make photos fun I like to have my kids help me make colorful frames out of household items. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
Erin
ErinLoves2Run at gmail dot com

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Erin says · 03.23.16

Tweet:
https://twitter.com/ErinLoves2Run/status/712633979329851392

Erin
ErinLoves2Run at gmail dot com

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Missy Robinson says · 03.23.16

This looks so totally fun and I’ve been crushing on that camera for years!

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Robin says · 03.23.16

I am photography challenged — so I need all the help I can get!!

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Lindsey says · 03.23.16

This is one of my favorite post’s you have done Kate, thank you for the reminder of how precious this time is. I have a 6 month old and 3 year old with a full time office job. Every day I struggle with not being fast enough for my job and/or my kids. There never seems to be enough time & when you baby doesn’t sleep you can feel pushed to the limit. Your post made me reflect on those precious bath time moments & the smiles on my girls faces when I pick them up from daycare, thank you ๐Ÿ™‚

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Lisa @ Life as Lisa Knows It says · 03.23.16

I love to make photos fun by trying to catch unique candid moments of my family.

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Julie says · 03.23.16

I make photos fun by taking pictures of my family doing fun activities. I love to take pictures when we are sledding, riding our bikes and swimming. And then I put them in a collage and hang on the wall!

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Julie says · 03.23.16

tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/712637210214858753

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kristiina says · 03.23.16

I bribe my kids ๐Ÿ˜‰ (and I’m constantly saying “forget I’m here” “just act natural” LOL a little carrot helps!)

My two were 16 months apart and seeing your boys brings back so many memories!! xo

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kristiina says · 03.23.16 Reply
Kiersten says · 03.23.16

I loved this post. It’s so true that saying that “the days are long, but the years are fast”. Some days my patience is just gone and bed-time can’t come fast enough. Others, I’m sad that bedtime came too fast. I guess we all just do the best we can and try to enjoy every moment of it, even the hard days. As far as the pictures, I love to take pictures for each holiday. Christmas theme pictures, Easter ect and at the end of the year I make a book will the whole years worth of pictures. So fun to have!

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Stephanie Williams says · 03.23.16

I would love a chance to get the gc and buy this camera! I was actually looking at it in the store the other day and I couldn’t bring myself to get it. As a mom and wife, I always think of myself last and couldn’t bring myself to commit the money to the purchase. But if I win a gc it would be perfect!

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Cindi Belcher says · 03.23.16

I love this idea! I, too, am a lover of photos to capture memories of my kiddos. The time is flying by, too fast! Having pictures will help me remember the times I’m soon to miss.

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Stephanie Williams says · 03.23.16 Reply
Erin W says · 03.23.16

I love taking pictures of my little almost 1 year old. I think for me actually getting out my “real” camera makes me take more and better pictures instead of just using my phone.

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Angie says · 03.23.16

I always try to take pictures when my daughter doesn’t know. I get the funniest facial expressions!

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Michele O'Sullivan says · 03.23.16

My 9 month old just sees my iPad or phone and starts posing!

A friend gave me a great photo tip when using a tablet or phone…take video, then, when you get the precise moment/face you were looking for when you were filming, screen shot it. Then, you can capture the spontaneous cuteness without worrying if you snapped the actual camera at the EXACT right time! And you get a bonus video!

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Rebecca says · 03.23.16

Love this post! I have two little ones and while I like to have a posed photo now and then I much prefer the candida of them in the moment, doing their everyday activities. That’s the stuff I want to be able to look back on and remember.

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Rebecca says · 03.23.16

Candids!!! Ugh not candida hahaha.

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Kristen says · 03.23.16

I’m a new mom and I try to make sure to capture as much as I can on film as the days go by so quickly and my little CeCe girl changes every day. This would be great so I don’t have to remember to print photos!

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Leah says · 03.23.16

Love this! And would love to have a “old school” camera to capture little moments with my son!

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Kristen Sigler says · 03.23.16

I love candids. I love moments you could never recreate, and I feel like those are always the best pictures. Instead of snapping a photo of my husband posing at the summit of a mountain, I want to remember the process, and to capture those feelings!

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Barb says · 03.23.16

My boys are 14 months apart. They are now 16 and 17. Still love taking pictures of them together!

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kelsey says · 03.23.16

To make pictures fun I like to try and get my dog to do funny things ๐Ÿ™‚

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Stephanie says · 03.23.16

I love taking surprise, candid shots.

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Kathryn says · 03.23.16

I use my phone to take lots of photos and videos of my 2 year old son. I love Chatbooks and I have several volumes of memories-it’s great! I also have a dslr camera that I love to use with my tripod and take more formal photos, document birthdays, holidays, etc. It’s been great, too! Capturing the day in and day out milestones, craziness, and love is what it is all about!!!

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Vivian Weiss says · 03.23.16

Would love to own a camera like this! Getting married soon and as you mentioned, it would be an awesome chance to capture moments from our newly-married days!

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Alma says · 03.23.16

For us, photos are the most fun while we’re doing normal things (instead of styled shoots), because one day I can look back and remember exactly how the early days were with my tiny baby.

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Anjali says · 03.23.16

Love to take photos when my kids are not looking or playing…I have 5 year old and 3 year old..they do lot of silly stuff which I love to capture

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Katie says · 03.23.16

The most fun pictures to me are candids of my kids that capture a special moment you wouldn’t otherwise get!

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April Piggott says · 03.23.16

Photos are constantly filling up my phone to using a camera would be a much easier. I love the idea of having a picture come out right away and to keep in a baby book like you mentioned!

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Samantha Trate says · 03.23.16

I am expecting our first child in August, and I would love to capture any and all the moments! What a great camera for the littles.

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Kalie Kehler says · 03.23.16

I have infant twins and a 2 year old. So many days just seem to be a blur so I would love to capture all the fun and sweet times to remember it by!

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Laura says · 03.23.16

There really is something so sweet about candid film pictures. This year I set the intention of taking more photos and documenting my sweet 2 year old son more regularly because I feel like time is slipping away! I love taking him on adventures and photographing or filming is reactions to new things.

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Jamie says · 03.23.16

I have two girls, they are 4 and 2. I love to have them wear similar outfits and just take them outside or to the zoo and try and capture there excitement! My phone doesn’t have the best quality when k try and print the pictures, this camera sounds perfect!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

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Anneka says · 03.23.16

To make pictures fun, I try to catch a good mix of action shots and smiling ones of my little girl.

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Hannah says · 03.23.16

I think candid shots are the absolute best! I always try to sneak a picture without it disturbing the moment that’s happening, so you capture the true feeling of what’s happening!

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Rose says · 03.23.16

Grocery store drama: I had this last month when my 3 month old started screaming through check-out. As I was putting my bags in my car a woman approached me- started helping me put my bags away and then took my cart. It was so sweet- she told me how she has been there a number of times and knew my little guy needed me so she wanted to help move the process along. Thank you random woman at the grocery store for making that trip a little easier.

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Stacey says · 03.23.16

I would capture these precious moments of just my husband and I, before we have kids. We are trying (unsuccessfully thus far) and hope to have a baby one day.

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Fiona says · 03.23.16

I love to take photos of the kids when they are quietly playing Lego, there’s something so magical about capturing their imagination at play ๐Ÿ™‚

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Rebecca says · 03.23.16

Whta a great give-a-way!

Link to my tweet: https://twitter.com/RebeccaBlaho/status/712673064606105600

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Becky @ bybmg says · 03.23.16

I love capturing my boys in their natural element – digging in the dirt – wrestling. Having them pose for a picture is great, but capturing them playing is my favorite.

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Delana says · 03.23.16

I recently got the Walgreens app. I now send pictures to my Walgreens that is less than half a mile from my house. When my littles and I pick them up, we love sitting at the kitchen table looking at the pictures. My kids think it is the best activity we do each week!

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stephanie b says · 03.23.16

I love taking candid photos – looking back at the memories unposed are priceless ๐Ÿ™‚

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Kimberly says · 03.23.16

Candids outside ๐Ÿ™‚
but I have 5 kids, one just 2 weeks old, so there’s always someone pulling a funny face

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Elizabeth says · 03.23.16

I definitely need to get in the frame more. I have thousands of pics of my little one (born the same week as Luke!!:) but I’m not in many. This might encourage me to get in the pics more! Love this!

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Meghan says · 03.23.16

My husband is a photographer but I generally like to assist to be the one to catch the little things like a twisted necklace or to smooth the wrinkles from someone’s shirt to create the perfect shot with everything looking natural and perfectly in place. However, I’m really falling in love with the more candid shots, when everyone is too busy enjoying the moment and making memories to notice their photo is being taken ๐Ÿ™‚

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Brynn says · 03.23.16

My favorite photos are the ones where everyone is doing their thing and don’t even notice the camera. My little nieces love to throw sand on the beach and we have some super funny photos of sand being throw right in some poor soul’s face.

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Donna says · 03.23.16

I mostly take pictures of my grandchildren and find trying to set up the picture doesn’t work. I just snap a million pictures and hope for the best.

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Lesley says · 03.23.16

I think the best way to have fun it to be spontaneous with picture taking. Don’t try to make it “perfect” or “just right”. The spontaneous/fun ones always turn out the best. Thanks!

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Kim says · 03.23.16

This is such a beautiful post! I’m not a mom, but I can relate with my little fur babys – I’m constantly snapping pics of my dog and cat ๐Ÿ™‚ haha!

Kim

http://bit.ly/1o6KQZq .. Top spring skirts!

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Amy says · 03.23.16

I would definitely use it for the same thing! To capture quick, special moments with my Littles!

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Allie says · 03.23.16

I was hoping to hear your thoughts on this camera! ๐Ÿ™‚

I would probably snap photos of my niece-she is at such a fun age and one that I want to remember!

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Kelly says · 03.23.16

I like taking pictures when they are having fun themselves, you don’t have to pry smiles out of them that way, they are already smiling!

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Amy O'Connor says · 03.23.16

Everyday moment are what I always forget to capture! I always remember when we are on vacation or doing something fun on the weekend. Love this idea!

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Megan C says · 03.23.16

What a beautiful story! And beautiful family.

I always try to get my nieces to pretend they are striking a pose or a model. That way I get them to laugh. And tickling doesn’t hurt either ๐Ÿ˜‰

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Erica says · 03.23.16

We make pictures fun by not making them serious, which is perfect for two boys under 3 years of age! We love pictures and spontaneous ones are the best!

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Laura W says · 03.23.16

I arrange photos of my 16 month old daughter playing with her relatives in fun shapes on the nursery wall (currently in a heart) and she loves to look at them! It would be so easy with a camera like this!

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Elisha B says · 03.23.16

I try to keep it fun, by them not knowing I am taking a picture! Haha! Would love a gift card to put toward a camera!

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Amber M. says · 03.23.16

I don’t have kiddos, but I take my dog on all my adventures and I am “that” dog mom that makes my dog pose. I can only imagine if I ever have children! ๐Ÿ˜€

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Hannah Hofmann says · 03.23.16

I try to have a camera with me at all times! You never know when your little one will do something adorable or start crawling/walking for the first time! Pictures spark memories for me and I love looking back at them with family and reliving days past ๐Ÿ™‚ love your blog and who you are! Thank you for being you ๐Ÿ™‚

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Katlyn says · 03.23.16

This is one of my favorite posts you’ve written. My husband and I are expecting our first in June and this brought me to tears (even without pregnancy hormones!) just thinking of the precious time I’ll be having with our own baby soon. I’ll be leaving teaching to be a stay at home mommy and it’s full of nervous excitement to do so. This camera looks so appealing due to the quick nature of getting the prints! Thank you for sharing your heart and being so open and honest!

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Katie says · 03.23.16

I am not a photographer but I do love keeping memories through pictures. I LOVE making albums using shutterfly and I also enjoy the “old-fashioned” scrap booking.

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Kristine says · 03.23.16

What a sweet post. This camera would be awesome for my 4 year old to take pictures of his new baby sister! And I love the idea of using it for actually putting photos in their baby books!

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lori says · 03.23.16

To make pictures fun I like to capture the random everyday moments of the mundane duties of life. Realizing that all those days are what make up most of your life and not to forget how precious they are too.

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Jennifer says · 03.23.16

I love capturing moments when it can capture your child’s personality!

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Katherine S says · 03.23.16

One of my favorite photos I’ve taken is of my son on his second birthday. He was picking up his “2” candle (while still lit!!!) and I snapped the photo before I grabbed it. The lighting is dark all around him and it is just him looking at his candle. It highlights his still chubby toddler cheeks which I know are on their way out so I absolutely love it! This would be fun to take to the zoo or park with the kids!

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Evelyn says · 03.23.16

I like to take pictures of my dog’s sleeping positions. My husband does the same and we always share them when the other one is not home.

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Sarah says · 03.23.16

The best/most fun pictures come from taking them in the moment… those all natural action snaps that you look back on and are automatically transported to that moment in your mind. They’re always good for a laugh or smile.

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Kara P says · 03.23.16

My kids are about the same age as yours, I started following your blog when we were both pregnant with our first baby. (Not to sound creepy) I just really enjoyed reading your reaction to being pregnant and you really helped me after I was pregnant. You helped me realized being a mommy can be tough but so worth it. Since I’ve had my children all pictures are of them, I love blowing up the photos at my nearest fed ex and hanging them in cute vintage frames or making them into canvas’.

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Dorian says · 03.23.16

I love taking pictures in the outdoors, whether it be sunny or showers, it’s all good and FUN!

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Teresa Roberts says · 03.23.16

I would love to own a camera like this. I love those special moments in life that are saved & mark the good times in a single photo.
My son is getting married & I look forward to that sweet moment to capture!

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Emily says · 03.23.16

I tell people to fake laugh which I start doing and then they laugh too and it is hilarious and so fun. I love laughing photos.

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Sara says · 03.23.16

I let my kids take the pictures they are 5&7 years old and they capture the funniest moments….and lots of pics of the ground too! ๐Ÿ™‚

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Whitney says · 03.23.16

I love capturing my little girl doing her every-day things. She’s curious and spontaneous and those things make for some fun pictures to reminisce over!

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Vienna says · 03.23.16

Many of my friends have this camera and I’ve always wanted one for myself! I think it’s such a cute way to capture memories!

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Hannah Murphy says · 03.23.16

I love to make photo books for my kids to look through whenever they want!

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Molly says · 03.23.16

Love this camera! So cute!

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Mari-ann says · 03.23.16

My daughter is now 3, but has been taking her own pictures with her own camera for over a year now…that makes pictures very fun! I love seeing the world through her eyes!

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Christina says · 03.23.16

I scrap book for each of my kids BC they love to look at them.

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Callie says · 03.23.16

What a nifty little gadget! I love how all of the pictures look like my mamaw and papaws house! It reminds me of slower paced times, with more time for family and it seems like that is exactly what this camera aims to do! Awesome!

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Katie says · 03.23.16

I love candid photos too ๐Ÿ™‚

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Alis says · 03.23.16

Love this! I’m definitely going to make a conscious effort to remember the little, everyday moments at home.

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Amanda says · 03.23.16

What cuties ๐Ÿ™‚ Sometimes we all just end up around the desktop computer scrolling through photos. It’s not very creative or inventive, but it’s fun, and the kids always ask to see, “When I was a baby!” or “That time I climbed the hill with Daddy!” and it’s nice.

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Kristin hein says · 03.23.16

The best I got is an Elaine’s Tyler dance that is sure to make my boys smile!

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Ashley says · 03.23.16

I love taking candid photos with our family. We have a large extended family and we get together often. This camera is a great way to capturing all of our adventures.

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Serenity M says · 03.23.16

I love this thing! What a great idea. I love “good” pictures, the kind with perfect lighting where everyone is in focus and smiling but more and more I find myself drawn to the everyday moments. even if they are blurry or fast paced. Childhood goes way too fast.

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Sarah says · 03.23.16

I make pictures fun by not taking it too seriously. Candida are the best!

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Amy says · 03.23.16

We have two little boys and one angel daughter.. Pictures are all we have left of our sweet little Adalie.. So I know full well how important they are for capturing moments that we cant get back!? my favorite thing to do is make little magnetized frames to easily change out pictures of our little family and to be able to quickly hang up different pictures for different seasons, milestones, etc. I remove the glass from a fun picture frame, insert pretty pieces of fabric or paper, glue a magnet on the pretty material and then it makes for super easy picture swaps on my gallery wall!?

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Jess says · 03.23.16

Time is passing so quickly and I love pictures of all sorts of my three littles. Moments that may have been forgotten in the business of life are forever captured. One of my greatest possessions are my photos of my children. I love the idea of the Instax!

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Giselle says · 03.23.16

I think the easiest way to make a photo fun is to make it spontaneous. I have a one-year old nephew, and I would love to capture him doing the very same things you’ve captured of your boys : )

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Laura says · 03.23.16

I’ve always loved these fujifilm cameras. They remind me of my childhood! I love making pictures fun by combining people and landscape. I like getting a bit of both.

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Hannah says · 03.23.16

I like making picture fun with my son by doing it together and being funny!

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Allie LaPointe says · 03.23.16

This camera is great! It brings back a simplicity to taking photos. You can capture a real moment instead of posing the kids and taking 20 photos looking for the perfect one. Real life needs to be loved and shared! Thanks Kate!

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Becky says · 03.23.16

I love adding a couple sentences to my pictures on Instagram to remind myself of my boys silly quirks.

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Alicia CP says · 03.23.16

I’ve been eyeing these camera since Christmas! LOVE instant cameras!

So, I’ve been trying to give pictures some time context. Like including the background/boring stuff but that’s the stuff that I LOVE from my parents old pictures. Cars, landscape/trees, technology/phones, etc., not just perfectly staged everyone smiling pictures.

So fun!

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Kim Henrichs says · 03.23.16

I do a lot of photo books, I also make cards out of vacation photos for my fellow travelers to use later!

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Betsy Carter says · 03.23.16

Since we don’t have any kids yet, my husband and I would likely take an absurd amount of pictures of our cats. #truth

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Natalie says · 03.23.16

I make photos fun by having everyone participate in the photo taking! I will help my little niece take pictures of the family and other friends and family how to take cool pictures! I also like to create neat scrapbooks out of fun pictures!

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Elena says · 03.23.16

We make funny faces when taking pictures

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Courtney says · 03.23.16

I had 11 week old twin girls, so I take no shortage of pictures!

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Tara says · 03.23.16

I love to sneak up on my 5 year old nieces and catch them candidly. So OBVIOUSLLY I have like 25,028 pics of princess dresses and screaming meltdowns!!

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Kelly S. says · 03.23.16

It’s been commented, but the most fun – and best, imo – photos are candid fast-snaps! There is nothing more beautiful than someone’s true expressions, versus a forced smile.

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sara h says · 03.23.16

Beautiful blog post Kate!

To make pictures fun, I say a silly joke or make a funny face to get a genuine smile from my subject ๐Ÿ˜‰ Having a light heart and a great smile makes for a great picture.

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Emily G says · 03.23.16

This was a sweet post that totally resonated with me. I have three week old twin girls and although I’m beyond sleep deprived and busy every second of the day, I would never wish these moments away. These might very well be my only babies and I want to soak up every ounce of them! I was running a few errands while my mom watched the girls today and the car in front of me in the Starbucks drive thru bought my coffee. They must’ve somehow known how much I needed that coffee and it warmed my heart to think of all the support around me, even the support you wouldn’t expect!

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Elizabeth says · 03.23.16

I love to take photos of everyday moments. Those simple times always turn out to be the most important!

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ashley d says · 03.23.16

we are heading to the beach!

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Mel says · 03.23.16

Your family is sooo beautiful! Love your blog!

Mel | http://www.thegossipdarling.com

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Kelly K says · 03.23.16

Thanks for the opportunity! My daughter and I are wishing for this camera!

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Janel Fanning says · 03.23.16

I would love this! The photos are so darn cute!

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Nicole says · 03.23.16

To make photos more fun I love capturing candid shots!! Theres just something about capturing a natural moment as opposed to a posed one! ๐Ÿ™‚

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McCall J says · 03.23.16

I blog all our adventures so I take a lot of pictures and that in and of itself is fun for me!

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Emylee says · 03.23.16

I’m a sucker for a candid shot. I love taking photos when no one knows I am! Sweet photos of my friends just walking, hanging out are my favorite. I love to snap pictures of my dog running around and playing. I would love to get my hands on one of these cameras. I love that you get one shot to capture the moment or risk wasting film. Seems like a really cool product

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Sandy B says · 03.23.16

I love how you are treasuring each & every moment of these busy, but fun days with David & Luke! It’s not always easy but they do grow up too fast & they won’t be doing these same cute things or need you in the same way as they do now. I know that too well – I also have two boys that are now 16 & 11. I enjoy this phase too but it’s so different & many days I find myself longing for those younger days. Life was simpler with no homework, school issues, grades, thinking about college, etc.
I LOVE to scrapbook and have been since my boys were born! It’s my favorite way to capture & treasure memories. I am so glad I have documented all their years. It’s fun to look back on them and what makes me happiest is for them to enjoy looking through their albums too!
This camera seems awesome & a fun way to capture pictures for scrapbooks & albums!

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Jenn says · 03.23.16

I am single with no children. My favorite pictures are those of my travels and my four legged child! Taking pics of a dog has to be similar to wrangling a 1 and 2 year old for pics. I treasure them though and the fun times we have together.

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andrea worley says · 03.23.16

playing at the park always lends itself to fun memories and photo taking! it’s my fave.

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Baby Bottle says · 03.24.16

i like get capture.it is more true

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Alicia @ Turquoise Grace says · 03.24.16

Ugh, with 3 boys taking pictures is usually something that falls by the wayside – as in, I never remember! I need all the help and inspiration I can get!

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Heather says · 03.24.16

Getting everyone involved in a project or outing and creating that memory!

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Kate H. says · 03.24.16

Sunshine!!! I love cool sun shots!

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Debi Spiller says · 03.24.16 Reply
Christi Pike says · 03.24.16

I am reviewing these type of cameras…they are so cool! Typing to decide wether to go with the Fuji or Polaroid. I like the sticky backs on the Polaroid, but still undecided. Thanks for sharing your experience with the camera.

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Angela says · 03.24.16

I too love taking pictures of my family and am always snapping shots. It drives them crazy but I know years from now, they will be so happy to have pictures of us all together.

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Aileen Miller says · 03.24.16

I like taking selfies with a bunch of people, making silly faces, and catching candids.

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Kat says · 03.24.16

Making silly faces is how I make photos fun!

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christina g says · 03.24.16

taking them outside on a sunny warm day!

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Morgan Labelle says · 03.24.16

I love to take pictures, but sometimes my canon is too big to carry around for one single shot. I love how the fuji film can capture a single instant in a little tiny camera, and prints off in matter of seconds.

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Kara says · 03.24.16

I’m a photographer so to me- photos are fun regardless! I’m learning how to make them fun for my family though by making sure we are doing something we love whenever we schedule family photos!

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Lily says · 03.24.16

I make photos fun by trying to sneak up on my bf or pets to snap candids! Then I put them all over our fridge.

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Christina says · 03.24.16

Never before has a post about a camera made me tear up … ๐Ÿ˜‰

I too like to capture moments of my 3 girls that are unplanned but that represent what we want them to remember long after we are gone, and they’re looking back when they are 60… That our house was full of nothing but love and while imperfect, we were in it together.

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Rebecca D says · 03.24.16

For every serious picture taken, there needs to be at least one “silly face” picture. It’s so fun to see the variety of faces a kid can make!

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Suzanne G. says · 03.24.16

I have a 5 and 2 year old and haven’t done anything with their baby books. I love the idea of using this camera to catch those milestone moments and to actually get my baby books completed!

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Kimberly in NC says · 03.24.16

We have 3 boys and I love to pose them together for a nice photo followed immediately by a ‘silly’ pose. It makes it fun to make calendars for the grandparents who all live out of state.

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SThomson says · 03.24.16

I just purchased the Samsung NX500 and I am obsessed with it. Thanks so much for the periscope about it, it was exactly what I was looking for. As for the Fujifilm, I’m probably going to have to get one too! I love the instant gratification you get from the prints and the fact that you get one shot to capture the moment!

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Liz says · 03.24.16

The way I get photos now are to allow my daughter to arrange them– she’s nine and very savvy, so we have a lot of “selfies” that she designs.

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Kristin Cudzik says · 03.24.16

My favorite photos to take are th r unplanned everyday photos. We always take the big camera to zoo trips, holidays etc, but my favorite pics are everyday moments at home or normal life capturing cute memories if not we may one day forget.

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Sydni says · 03.24.16

I love that this style of camera is coming back! This reminds me of when my friends and I used to do photo shoots on the trampoline with my Polaroid in middle school. XD I agree that it would be perfect for a baby album – it would be so easy to take a pic and jot down and some notes and call it a day.

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katie says · 03.24.16

I love action shots, sometimes the best and funniest pictures come from unplanned photos!

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Erin says · 03.24.16

Cool camera! With 3 kiddos in my family making photos fun can be a challenge. My kids always want to see the photos as soon as I take them so this camera would be awesome for that. To make photos fun we take pictures of our entire body from head to foot and then cut them out. We applied magnets to the back so now my kids can “play” with each person like paper dolls. They love to make the cutouts do silly things like lifting up another cutout with just 1 arm and leaving it on the fridge for all to see. Fun and easy.

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Brianna says · 03.24.16

All I want to say is can we please get a video of David and his “best buddies”? That has to be adorable!!

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Krista says · 03.24.16

Those cameras look so fun!!

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Janette says · 03.25.16

I always try to make sure I capture poses that look more realistic and not as styled

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Clarissa says · 03.25.16

I can’t think of anything specifically to make pics more fun, though having the dog in the photos always help make things more natural and spontaneous!

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Erika says · 03.25.16

I like to rotate the ones hanging in our room every so often. Keeps it interesting. ๐Ÿ™‚

chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com

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Kasey says · 03.25.16

Hi Kate! I absolutely love reading your posts and keeping up with you on all sorts of social media. Recently found out that we are the same age, and feel like you have your life way more together at this point than I do, but I guess that’s life sometimes… I’m hoping to be able to make photos more fun as I recently enrolled in an online photo editing course, as well as I just bout a wifi ad card to be able to share the moments from my DSLR more quickly! Thank you so much for all of your insight and knowledge!

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Kasey says · 03.25.16

Here is the link to my tweet!! So excited for a chance or two!

https://twitter.com/kaseykay22/status/713378740454039552

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Beth M says · 03.25.16

I always have my phone near so just capturing the little moments more often has been on my kind lately. I also like your suggestion for baby books. I’m so behind but having the pictures right there would be a help.

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Veronica says · 03.25.16

I would take this on vacation with me when my husband and I take a trip. This would be fun to have.

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Rachel H says · 03.25.16

I don’t have kids, well I do have fur kid, but I am an aunt so I love taking pictures of my nephew and nieces. I like to take pictures when they don’t realize it. I do love taking pictures of my dog, Audrey. She is the most photogenic and expressive dog. I love catching photos of her when she’s being silly or begging for treats. This is such a cute camera and would be great for vacation snapshots or birthdays. The small size of the shots would be great for an office since they don’t necessarily need a frame. So cute!

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Kristen says · 03.25.16

I usually try to say something funny so that people will laugh and show a more natural smile that if they are trying to post.

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Kristen says · 03.25.16

*pose*

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Kristen says · 03.25.16 Reply
Kristen says · 03.27.16

oops didn’t include the tags…..here’s a new tweet:
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/714242781128962048

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Margaret Smith says · 03.25.16

I love to scrap book and I have lots of stickers, designs, and special decorationโ€™s to make our photo books look great.

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Margaret Smith says · 03.25.16 Reply
Lacy says · 03.25.16

Kate, it’s wonderful to read your thoughts about this! My friend brought a Polaroid camera to a retreat we attended, and it prompted a good discussion about how photos like the ones with you and your family really highlight us “in the moment”, not posed, not filtered, not trying to make an impression or deleting all the “wrong” photos to find the perfect one.

I hope I win! But if not, I may be investing in one anyway! ~Lacy
https://twitter.com/lacyblaine/status/713545747074048004

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Jessie C. says · 03.25.16

I make photos fun by making them into story books with stickers.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com

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Jessie C. says · 03.25.16

tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/713552978003623936

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Beckie says · 03.25.16

I love Fuji!

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Sarah Ash says · 03.26.16

I try to make photos fun by saying “yes” whenever someone around my house wants a photoshoot, even if slightly inconvenient. I would love to win!

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Sarah Ash says · 03.26.16 Reply
Lisa Brown says · 03.26.16

I like to make photos fun by doing a lot of scrap booking with them.

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Lisa Brown says · 03.26.16

tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/713720011106299904

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Sarah says · 03.26.16

I like to snap real, candid, unexpected photos, not the 1,2,3 smile poses. To me “these” photos are fun and tell the real story ๐Ÿ™‚

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Jennifer Hayden says · 03.26.16

Using fun props is fun with kids. Also keeps them a bit occupied so that they are more cooperative.

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Alison says · 03.26.16

I have an active 2 year old and I love to take pictures of him. To help make taking pictures fun but still get good still shots i use my phone to video him and take stills at the same time. It is so fun to watch the video back and to have the stills to print. I use most of them to decorate my wall at work ๐Ÿ™‚

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Lynet says · 03.28.16

LOVE the Instax camera! I bet my two boys would have a blast using up that film! Ha!

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Lynet says · 03.28.16 Reply
Amy Stacy says · 03.28.16

Love your blog! I always love to take the candid pics of my kiddos, tells more of the story when you look back at them years later.

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Natalie Gonzalez says · 03.28.16

Photos are made fun when you just catch life…real, unstaged life. Sure, I typically post or share the versions of photos that look nice and clean, but some of my all time favorites, those I cherish so much, are those that happened so quickly and organically, and that catch a personality or an exchange that you can’t describe otherwise. It’s like magic. ๐Ÿ™‚

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OFG says · 03.28.16

I avoid staging and poses. I try to capture the moment just as it is.

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Betsy says · 03.28.16

I love taking pictures of them doing what they love. They also love there photo books.

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Anastasia Falling says · 03.29.16

To make photos fun, I like to sneakily take them when no one is looking!! Capture the moment everyone is having fun without posing for the picture ๐Ÿ™‚

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Anastasia Falling says · 03.29.16 Reply
Katie h says · 03.29.16

I try to make pictures fun by taking selfies (or flipping the camera screen) with my son since he likes to look at the photos but not at the actual camera when the photo is being taken. Sometimes I’ll even hoot and holler like a crazy momma to get their attention (my boys are little so it’s still funny to them).

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Madeline says · 03.29.16

I like to make photos fun by using a few scrapbook materials to adorn them in a photo book.

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Jenny Hatch says · 03.29.16

BOYS are the best! I have three little fellas and for sure CANDID picture are my favorite to look at…but really that takes no skills. SO when I need a smile my secret weapon is to repeat their favorite Calvin and Hobbes comic just a little incorrectly. When they tell me the correct wording there are smiles all around.

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Ali C says · 03.29.16

I love finding unique places to photograph my babies and using props. And I try being as silly as possible to get the perfect smiles and laughs.

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Elle says · 03.29.16

I love scrapbooking. It’s a great hobby and a fun way to display pictures and memories.

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sarah olson says · 03.30.16

I want this so bad!!
to make pics fun, i’d let my 7 yr old shoot some!

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Jeffrey says · 03.30.16

Something fun we like to do with our kids is recreate photos we’ve taken when they were younger. For instance, today we visited the zoo and every time we go they sit on the elephant statue the same way.

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Jeffrey says · 03.30.16 Reply
debbie says · 04.01.16

I love to snap candids and catch people in their natural, and hopefully, goofy states!

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andi says · 04.02.16

i love that these look like the pictures my parents took of me when i was little as well ๐Ÿ™‚ i would love to have one of these little guys around my house to take tiny pictures of my children before they get any bigger…

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Sherri McNamara says · 04.04.16

My daughter and her friends (16 year olds!) love to get dressed up and go to our park and have me take pictures. I have just as much fun as they do!

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Rebecca Graham says · 04.07.16

We like to take photos dressed up as our favorite story book characters.

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maria cantu says · 04.10.16

I try to take photos when no one is expecting it.

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Kelli Johnson says · 04.14.16

I take a lot of pictures and I will tell my littles that there is a bug in my lens and they five me the cutest looks.

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Tara says · 04.14.16

I love to get photos of my husband and daughter together but try not to get them to look at me so I can see the real them interacting together.

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Amy says · 04.15.16

When we travel, we usually tell the kids to take one shot of “funny faces”, one for “serious faces”, and one for “normal smiles” with the same background. We turn them into albums and always so much fun to look at. They are truly creative with their funny faces look now. ๐Ÿ˜€

amy [at] utry [dot] it

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Amy Tong says · 04.15.16 Reply
Amy Tong says · 04.15.16

Sorry, here’s the correct link to my tweet:

https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/720841626541658116

amy [at] utry [dot] it

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Margaret Smith says · 04.16.16

We love to be silly when taking photoโ€™s. I also love to scrapbook, have for years and Iโ€™ll create pages with saying or silly stickers or designs. Thanks so much.

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Margaret Smith says · 04.16.16 Reply
Susan Smith says · 04.16.16

I make photos fun by snapping them when people arenโ€™t paying attention! It’s especially fun to do this when they are being silly.

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Wanda says · 04.17.16

I make photos fun by snapping an unexpected picture. They are so fun!

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Wanda McHenry says · 04.17.16 Reply
Wanda McHenry says · 04.21.16

Here is the CORRECT tweet with the hashtag ugh https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/723024285028118529

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Angel Jacklyn says · 04.21.16

I like to put together collauges of all my photos. That itself is fun!

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Angel Jacklyn says · 04.21.16 Reply
Rebecca says · 04.21.16

I like to take family pictures on holidays. It’s amazing how quickly the kids grow up from year to year!

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Shawn Gallagher says · 04.22.16

I like to process my own photos! That’s always fun!

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sherri crawford says · 04.24.16

play dress up and dance

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Kenia says · 04.25.16

My oldest loves taking pictures of everything, she does make overs to her sisters and makes them model for her!!

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Gina M says · 04.26.16

I make photos fun by taking candid shots, so everything doesn’t look so formal and planned.

Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

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Gina M says · 04.26.16

TWEET–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/724977038977830912

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Kerry says · 04.26.16

We make photos fun by sharing on facebook and instagram and making scrapbooks to hold our memories!

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Kelly D says · 04.26.16

I make photos fun by taking them in a memorable setting.

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Henria O. says · 04.27.16

We let our children take the photos for us. They love being “in charge” of the camera.
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com

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Henria O. says · 04.27.16 Reply
Lisa Brown says · 04.28.16

I make photos fun by doing a lot of scrap booking, decorating photos.

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angie says · 04.28.16

I love to take a picture and then use the editing features in Aviary to change the exposure, light, tint, etc. to truly make the pic unique to me. It is super fun!

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angie says · 04.28.16 Reply
Tarissa says · 04.28.16

Selfies sometimes make photos more fun… Just took my first selfie on Easter! :O
pixelberrypie at yahoo dot com

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Linda C. says · 04.28.16

We wear funny hats or sunglasses.

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Tina m says · 04.28.16

we make silly face together.

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Faith J. says · 04.29.16

I like to make photo boards!

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Tabathia says · 04.29.16

I like adding graphics to our photos

tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

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Tabathia says · 04.29.16 Reply
Erica says · 04.29.16

making a silly face makes photos fun

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Barbara M says · 04.30.16

To make photos fun I like to tell a silly joke.
thank you

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Denise L says · 04.30.16

I use one of my favorite photos from the past year to make invitations for my son’s birthday party.

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Denise L says · 04.30.16 Reply
Kathryn C says · 04.30.16

#SweepstakesEntry- comment

We love making our photos fun by including our pets in the pictures as well

KC

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Kathryn C says · 04.30.16 Reply
Elizabeth says · 04.30.16

I make photos fun by being happy with candid pictures. It makes it go faster. truckredford(at)Gmail(Dot)com

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Bert Ruiz says · 04.30.16

We like making photos fun by making silly faces

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Whitney says · 04.30.16

We make photos fun by including the whole family, including our two corgis.

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Jessica To says · 04.30.16

I like photo collages because they are just fun to look at.

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CR Williams says · 04.30.16

I love to make pic collages.

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Debbie B says · 04.30.16 Reply
Debbie B says · 04.30.16

i love capturing “in the moment” photos much better than posed photos

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