(embigenable)
I AM ADDICTED. THERE IS USE FIGHTING OR DENYING it. I have been swallowed whole into the Instax microcosm. Just a few days after acquiring the Instax printer, prints are mounted, framed and hanging on the wall.
At the light-heartness of it all, it is just a belated extension of my former Polaroid SX70 affect-ion. Which, at its core, is the answer to the question, “How much fun can one have making pictures?” Although, to be clear, it’s not as though I do not receive satisfaction / pleasure from the act of making “regular” pictures. Rather, making instant prints seems to be so much less “serious” of an endeavor. However, that written, I have discovered that making pictures for Instax print making can be, indeed, a very rigorous and demanding undertaking.
For instance….I have learned that not every picture making possibility is well-suited for presentation on an Instax print. Contrary to what one might think, re: the small size of an Instax print might be better suited to pictures with simpler subject matter. Not so to my eye and sensibilities.
Through trial and error, I have come to the conclusion that the more complex and detailed the subject matter the more one is drawn into the picture, both physically-bend at the waist-and visual curiosity wise. A form of engagement that is quite different from “normal” print viewing (idiotic pixel-peepers excepted) - an engagement that some might find annoying and that others might feel is rather intriguing.
FYI, all of this fascination springs from the fact that I have always believed in the idea that “small is beautiful” - a principle espoused by Leopold Kohr (1909–1994) advancing small, appropriate technologies, policies, and polities as a superior alternative to the mainstream ethos of "bigger is better".
Consequently, to my eye and sensibilities, I look at / consider Instax prints as precious, little gems. Much like traditional, small religious icons. Apparently, I don’t need no stinkin’ 24x36” prints.