Fujifilm had the right idea with their “don’t just take, give” brand philosophy for Instax, encouraging their users (“a generous generation”) to give away more prints instead of being precious about the once-and-done instantness of instant photography. It’s why I started looking into Instax cameras after borrowing a Polaroid Now for a few weeks (and why Christine surprised me by getting me one for my birthday).
I brought it with me on this trip on the off chance that I’d meet someone I’d want to give a portrait, instead of just take, and in Cartago, I instantly “clicked” with this vision in orange. Of course I’m much too bashful to engage beyond an awkward “for you” before scurrying away saying “gracias,” but her reaction to the photo was worth the awkwardness—in fact, as I walked away I heard squeals of delight from her whole group and when I looked over my shoulder, I saw her holding it in both hands as one would hold a perfumed letter.
She caught my gaze and I waved goodbye with true main character energy if that main character was played by Andy Samberg or some other lovable loser. But it really made my day to see that much joy at a gesture so small.