Put Your Phone Down — Gen Z Fashion Cool Girls Use Film Cameras Now.
By Olivia Cigliano,
2024-09-09
What’s your Instagram style? Are you an avid photo-dumper with curated carousels or do go for the occasional one-off portrait? Whether you’re a comical captioner or prefer prose, the most important part of any grid post, of course, is the image you’re sharing. If you’re looking for an easy way to upgrade your grid and better highlight your most Instagram-worthy moments, consider swapping your iPhone lens for one of the best film cameras that come approved by Gen Z fashion cool girls.
There have never been more photo editing features to filter your ‘flicks, be it FaceTune or eerily accurate AI tools. But, let’s face it, nobody has time to fuss with their photos all day (especially if you prefer a hefty photo dump), plus social media trends are shifting away from overly-edited imagery, anyway. Blame it on Gen Z’s candid internet presence across apps like TikTok or BeReal, or consider the golden rule to achieving an It-girl aura — trying too hard never looks cool. Not only do film cameras produce a perfectly imperfect image with a built-in filter (that you can always edit after!), but they also bring an authentic vibe to your feed, sharing a raw memory in all of its natural glory.
Gen Z’s favorite film cameras are also a fun way to temporarily cut ties with your notification-filled phone and dedicate your focus to a significant event, be it a vacation, birthday party, or even faux pap walk to document your outfit du jour. There are so many camera options that won’t run you a pretty penny, from throwback single-use cameras that are lightweight in your handbag to easy-to-use point-and-shoot film cameras for novice photographers and instant cameras that print out a physical copy of your shot on the spot.
Fashion girls are leaning into that vintage vibe you can only create with film. Gen Z whisperer Alix Earle uses the Fujifilm Quicksnap Flash Camera for action shots of Miami nightlife, which is the same single-use camera that stocked Gigi Hadid’s @gispo s able account with behind-the-scenes shots of Fashion Weeks and star-studded parties. Ella Emhoff also showed up to last month’s DNC well-prepared with the popular disposable film camera, captioning her post: “Doing some important behind-the-scenes reporting.”
Kendall Jenner often updates her feed with film photos taken on her 35mm camera, whether she’s snapping a mirror selfie or capturing the hidden chaos inside the Met Gala. Other celebs like Zendaya and Frank Ocean have been spotted with their film cameras, though they use them more as a private time capsule, where only a few scans have seen the light of day (cool factor is in the art of the subtle flex, after all).
An instant camera is not only extremely convenient, but it also creates an undeniably timeless image in a flash, from Andy Warhol’s infamous celebrity portraits to Ariana Grade’s Instagram selfies and even Taylor Swift’s “1989” album cover — which dropped around the time Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Camera trended alongside the resurgence of physical media like record players and cassette tapes. Classics never die.
Below, one Gen Z fashion writer who never leaves the house without a disposable or instant film camera in her purse shares her favorite Fujifilm gear for cool girls to share on Instagram.
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You don’t have to know anything about photography to get amazing photos out of this single-use camera. Just wind the film, switch on the flash, and find your focal point. Then, bring the camera to your local photo lab and ask for image downloads that you can upload to your feed.
Editor testing and review notes : “The Fujifilm Quicksnap Flash Camera was my gateway into film photography. I’d carry it around to snap photos of my friends and was always amazed by how clear the images turned out and how glossy the flash looked. It’s the perfect size to slip into a shoulder bag for a night on the town and literally only weighs four ounces.” — WWD Shop Commerce Writer & Producer Olivia Cigliano
Fujifilm Instax Mini Cameras look and feel super retro, but the brand keeps all the photo features modern and easy to use. By the lens, there’s a built-in selfie mirror to ensure your face is in frame, as well as a dial to toggle between different settings to align with the lighting you’re in. Plus, it comes in so many colors to match your aesthetic.
Editor testing and review notes: “In my opinion, this camera is a household staple. I leave it on a console table in my living room just in case an exciting moment presents itself. Then, I can immediately hang my pictures on the wall and create a whole memory board to enjoy every day. Also, if you’ve ever used one of these babies, you know they take the most flattering selfies ever. The film and the flash blur your skin in all the right ways.” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $69.99
Fujifilm ISO 200 36-Exposure Color Negative Film for 35mm Cameras
Dipping your toe into film photography? Whether you source a manual film camera from a vintage store or find one in the back of your parent’s closet from decades ago, this film is compatible with any 35mm shooter. It creates beautiful photos with accurate color in both outdoor and indoor lighting (yep, even under harsh fluorescent lights).
Editor testing and review notes : “This is my go-to film to load my thrifted film camera with. The colors are vibrant without looking overly saturated, and it achieves that ideal vintage texture on images no filter could replicate. It’s also one of the most affordable options on the market, especially if you buy it in a value pack like this. Plus, I love that I can easily re-stock my rolls at local retailers like Target.” — Cigliano
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Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. When she’s not writing for WWD, you can find her shooting film photography around the city with Fujifilm cameras.
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