How to get digital copies of disposable camera pictures

Look, it’s undeniable at this point: filters just can’t recreate the vibes that true 35mm film cameras have. 

There’s a novelty behind the entire experience, from pointing and shooting all the way to development, that not even the most advanced apps can recreate.

The best part about developing these pictures is that the processes are the same whether you’re committing to a reusable film camera, or using a single-use camera. That means you don’t have to worry about being overwhelmed with a million different options on how to get disposable camera pictures on your phone. 

Depending on your method of development, you can access digital scans of your disposable camera photos through email, CD-ROM, or by physically scanning the photos with your smartphone or a digital copy machine. 

Using a disposable camera in this day and age means you get to immortalize the aesthetic and feel of your favorite moments in a way you’ll get to enjoy physically (with prints) and on your phone (digitals). Let’s break down the easiest ways to get those disposable camera photos on your phone and ready for Instagram, Facebook, and wallpaper use!

Digitals Only

Via CD-ROM

Scanning Prints Physically

The Best Methods To Transfer Camera Prints Onto Your Phone

There are three common methods to develop 35mm film. You can drop your disposable (or film cartridge) off at a photo-developing location, mail your film to an independent developing service, or learn how to do it yourself (though if you know how to do this, you probably don’t need this article to begin with!).

So that leaves us with developing at a photo center, like Walmart or CVS, or through indie services like Indisposable. Once your pictures are all ready for you, here’s how to transfer them to your phone: 

Digitals Only

For those who send their photos away to independent services, you probably won’t get physical prints back in your hand. Instead, they’ll email you your photos and negatives directly, or upload them to their website where you can access them via your account’s login.

You can get these pictures on your phone super easily- simply log into your email, or the website, through your smartphone and save the photos to your camera roll! This is by far the simplest method of getting your photos digitally, and it doesn’t compromise the quality of your pictures.

Via CD-ROM

If you got your photos developed at Walgreens or CVS, it’s likely you’ll receive physical prints alongside a CD that’s loaded with your pictures. Pop your CD into the reader (if you’re really young, you can usually find a reader on your PC’s processor. Some laptops have them too.), and wait for them to upload onto your computer.

Once they’re all downloaded, upload the prints onto a separate program like Google Photos or email them to yourself. From then, you can access the photos through your email or Google Photos app on your smartphone, and save the prints to your camera roll!

Scanning Prints Physically

Sometimes, your photo-developing service may not offer you a CD alongside your physical prints. If that’s the case, getting your photos onto your phone may be a timelier process. 

If you have an iPhone, you can switch the camera to portrait mode and take a picture of each of your physical prints. You can also download photo scanning apps like Google PhotoScan or Photomyne, which are programs that can crop and adjust the lighting of your pictures as you take them, cutting out the process of editing altogether.

Shooting on an iPhone can be a bit finicky. Make sure you place your photos on a solid black surface for contrast and play around with camera settings to see where your prints look best.

For those who are willing to go super old school, you can even photocopy each photo and upload them onto your computer. This method is best if you have a digital photocopier that has an updated enough scanner to handle saturated photos and quality. This is definitely a timely process, and can possibly sacrifice the quality of your photos.

Ensuring The Quality Of Your Disposable Camera Pictures

Now that you’re versed in all the different methods available for getting disposable camera pictures on your phone, it’s time to let you know how to make the most out of each of your shots! Developing photos isn’t necessarily cheap, so here are our top two tips to ensure all of your photos end up post-worthy:

Make Note Of How Many Pictures You Have Left

Depending on how long you want to make a roll of film last, it’s important to keep in mind how many pictures you’re dedicating to a single moment or location. The standard roll of 35mm film can only take 36 photos. 

There should be a number dial on the top of your camera that either counts up to or down from 36, letting you know how many pictures you have left to take until your roll is complete.

Always Use Flash on your disposable camera

It’s a common mistake to make for rookie film camera photographers. You use up your roll, send it in for development, and are left with black, grainy photos. It’s annoying, sad, and honestly, kind of a waste of money. 

To avoid this, make sure you always shoot with flash- even if you think the photo is well-lit enough to not warrant it. It’s just good added insurance to have to guarantee you’ll have worthwhile prints.

If you keep these two things in mind, you’re all set. By then, you’ll be taking 35mm photos, and uploading them to Instagram like a total pro. Happy photo-taking!

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