In the Moment with Instax: Liebe Smith

After seeing pictures of Liebe Smith’s 7th birthday party online, we just had to find her to tell us more. Liebe’s party was themed as “All my Favourite Things” and her Instax Mini camera featured prominently. Is Liebe’s South Africa’s youngest Instax fan? We chatted to her about all things Instax and a few of her favourite things. (Image credit: Luna & Grace Photography)

Hi Liebe! We are so glad to be able to chat to you about your love of Instax! Tell us, what do you like most about Instax?

I love that I can take pictures of the things I like and that I can have the photos right away. It’s better than my mom’s camera because she has to print her photos at the shop. And my camera is my favourite colour – purple!

Your recent birthday party looked amazing, and we particularly liked the Instax cake decoration and the Instax cookies. What did you enjoy most about the day?

Thank you so much. I had the best time at my party, and the theme was all my favourite things. Like my camera and netball and sneakers. I think I enjoyed playing with all my friends and eating all the yummy candies. 

Your mom, Simoné, told us you never leave the house without your Instax camera. When did your love for Instax start?

My mom and dad surprised me with my very own camera last December during the holiday so I can take pictures and make memories, and I love it.

Where do you keep your Instax prints? Do you have an album, a photo wall, or do you stick it on the fridge?

I have an album but I like putting them all over so I can see them. I put them on the fridge and all over my room. Some of my pictures I use in my arts and craft album, and I make beautiful decorations around them.

Do you decorate your camera at all, or do you like to keep it as it is?

I have not decorated my camera yet, but that is a good idea, I might! I like it so much the way it is as well because it’s my favourite colour – purple.

Do you think you have grown as a photographer the more you’ve used your camera?

Yes, I think so. I now know to take my time and to focus and to make sure my finger is not in the way.

Do you have any advice for anyone starting on their Instax journey?

Have fun!! Take it everywhere with you so if you see something you love you can take a photo to remember it by.

When you take photos of friends and family, do you let them keep the photo sometimes?

Yes, of course I do! I love taking photos with my friends, especially making silly faces and funny poses. We take turns taking photos with my camera and then I share the photos with them so they can keep it as a memory.

What is your favourite song at the moment?

I am a Swifty, so I love any Taylor Swift song, especially Shake It Off and Style.

What is your favourite movie at the moment?

It’s a movie my mom watched when she was little, called Home Alone. It’s so funny!

What would you rather be doing at the moment?

Let me think… go on an adventure. Like going on the red city tour bus – that’s my favourite thing to do. And to take Instax photos along the way of all the places we see.

Thanks to Liebe’s mom, Simoné, for allowing Instax South Africa permission to interview Liebe and her help with the article. Also to Yolandi at Luna & Grace Photography for the beautiful photos.