Develop your style with instant cameras: an influencer's top tips

"It's about creating a consistent look that hopefully people come to recognise as your own," Joel says. Consistency doesn't mean being afraid to embrace new techniques, though. "I still try to implement original concepts in my work to try to differentiate from the norm," he says. The versatility of the Canon Zoemini S has allowed Joel to try a range of new creative techniques. "The world's your oyster with this device," he says.

"I feel like the memories last a little bit longer in physical form, so I started playing around and including handheld prints in the shots to introduce an element of nostalgia. It's a nice way to incorporate that extra level of creativity and it gives the audience something else to focus on."

It's important to follow your own vision, Joel adds, not just shoot what you think your audience will like. "It's always nice to get positive feedback on social media and see what kind of shots followers appreciate," he says. "But I think you have to consider what you actually want to create. It's very easy to become one of many by sticking to what other photographers are doing. As long as you retain your originality and stick to what you enjoy doing, the rest will fall into place."

Composition is key

Joel composes these shots with prints in mind and typically shoots with a shallow depth of field (a small zone of focus), so the print in the centre of the image is in focus but the background is blurred. "I create a physical print, centralise it and then shoot again on my Canon EOS-1D X Mark II [now succeeded by the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III]. The viewer recognises the location because of the similarity between the print and the backdrop," Joel explains.

"The key thing is to make sure the image is good enough. With digital cameras, you can keep on snapping, but the physical form makes you really take care with the photo to ensure that you've got a good enough image to work with.

"I’ve been really impressed with the Canon Zoemini S," Joel adds. "The colour is true to the eye, whether it's at the 'golden hour' or broad daylight, which is always a challenge to shoot in and expose properly. It's very easy to use the viewfinder to compose shots – and composition is the main thing I've got to get right to get to that end concept and ensure the look of the print matches the backdrop."

Experiment with personalisation

Joel uses the Canon Mini Print app on his smartphone, connected to the Canon Zoemini S via Bluetooth, to create even more unique images, adding frames, filters, text and doodles. If he wants to get a shot from an awkward angle, he can set up the Canon Zoemini S in position and use the app's self-timer and remote shutter options to take the shot.

Joel recommends experimenting with the Canon Zoemini S until you get a result that you like. "You can have a square crop on the print, which offers a different element to the whole experience. You've also got the ring flash, which is great for indoor use," he says. "There's a lot of versatility when it comes to this kind of creative style. There is so much you can do if you think outside the box. Just get out there, explore, take some photos and see what happens." 

Written by Tamzin Wilks