Disposable Camera Swap

Oh my god, what a cool swap idea! I will definitely sign up when I get home from my trip. :)

What an excellent swap idea. What do you think about sending a CD of digital images?

FuntoScrap, I think sending a disposable camera is ideal because it means that only the swapee will get to see the images! As the photographer, I want you to take pictures blind and not have the 'modern luxury' of being able to crop and edit and delete the pics you don't like. You know what I mean?

I've signed up, but I'm wondering whether there might be a problem sending a camera with undeveloped film through customs - x-rays, fogging and so on.

I love this idea!

I agree with spinjenny, might there be a problem with the film through x-ray machines?

What an awesome idea, I love it!!!

To answer spinjenny's query, I once sent a disposable camera to a penpal in Australia. Her camera had broken, she couldn't afford to fix it and I wanted to know what she looked like. She took the photos and then sent it back to me and I got them developed no problem at all.

It's no different to your camera going through the xray machine when you go on holiday (and being a flight attendant my camera went through those machines on average 20 times a week).

i do this often with penpals from other countries and have never had a problem with film being fogged or otherwise damaged by xrays. i'd just suggest packaging it carefully in bubble wrap or a padded envelope so it doesn't break during shipping and expose the undeveloped film.

Only film over ISO 800 is affected by the x-ray machines. And even then, it usually take more than one run through the machine to ruin it.

I am a newbie. Can I sign up?

Yes Am, go ahead.

Well, this is going to be fun! I really look forward to it :) Great idea, ataventure!

This is one of the most original swap I've seen so far, it's gonna be so much fun! :-))

Do you have to send the whole camera? The postage would be less expensive if you can take it apart and take the film out. This is easy to do with a small screwdriver to pry apart the halves (I used to work in a camera department at Wal-Mart and we did it all the time to send of fthe films--and there is the added benefit for you mixed media people out there of all the cool little lenses and parts inside the camera) With our postal rates going up again next week, this may become an issue. Cyn

twobluecrows I did this once thinking that's how I got the film processed and I ended up paying the price because they couldn't get the film processed due to tampering.

This sounds like a great swap. I am a newbie that has already sent out 3 swaps but haven't gotten rated yet. Can I sign up?

Hey guys, we made it to the top swap list! How exciting!

twobluecrows,

If you're really worried about shipping costs, I guess you could use a 35mm snapshot camera and just use the film inside. To me, it kinda loses the point of the swap though.

Mickey7, go ahead and sign up.

Thank you ataventure!

I would stick to the swap concept presented. I would be disappointed if I got a roll to develop rather than the 'kitch' of getting a disposible camera.

How about overseas we take it and have it put on a cd so the partner can put them into the computer. Since the camera maybe hard to ship outside the USA or the other way around. Just a suggestion to help this be international plus with shipping rates going up cds are cheaper to ship from person to person.

Excited for this swap -- I've got a great idea already for my pictures! :)

Even though my camera is ready and waiting for partner details, if everyone is going to be worried about sending to me because I'm not in the US, please let me know and I will drop out.

I know I wouldn't be happy receiving a roll of film to develop, or receiving a CD. That wasn't what the swap was about and I'd rather just go ahead and enjoy the photos myself, rather than send it off if I'm just going to receive a CD in the post.

This is by far, the coolest idea I have ever seen!! I am SOOO excited to be part of it! :)

so so fun!

The point of the swap is to send pictures that cannot be viewed by the person taking the snapshots. If you're worried about shipping costs, remove yourself from the swap. Please do not send a CD of snapshots to your partner.

Oh I hope I can join even tho Im new I have sent swaps but Im still waiting on feedback

can I join? I am just waiting on feedback right now :o

I can see the fun concept of getting the camera to deal with and all. I'm already in too many swaps now, and my postage budget is through the roof already ;) this looks like fun for another time. Enjoy! Cyn

Kalykins and SweetJewels, go ahead and join.

I believe I asked to join by the wrong method, so I will ask here. This is a very creative concept and I just love it! I am a newbie, may I join this swap?

This sounds like a great swap, I'm in! Disposable camera idea sounds like fun!

How many people would much rather prefer a disposable camera to a roll of film? I'm in a photography class right now...so I'm a control freak when it comes to the parameters of taking pictures, haha :D Thanks for your opinions! -Spoon

Hi-

I've only participated in one other swap which was also a photography exchange, but my partner dropped out and I have no feedback rating. Would it be possible to join-if not, I certainly understand-

Thanks! Meg

SewingSpoon, they're meant to be amateur snapshots, not works of art. Try not to be a control freak-just take a snapshot with your disposable and see how it turns out!

Meg, please fill out your profile, and then send me a private msg.

Yeah I know -_- SLR cameras are just so much fun though..haha. But I guess being able to do candid shots without having to adjust camera settings and focus could be fun too..I guess I'll survive, haha. Thanks ataventure! -Spoon

im a newbie, may i join? fyi, it'll mean international shipping too.

Whooo I can't wait! I was going to wait to see who I got and just send a roll of film to cut costs if it was international, but I got impatient and got my disposable camera after work today (score one for employee discounts!)! Now question: because I'm used to having full control of my parameters and not used to point & shoot, especially on film, how bad will it be if I take a few pictures I'm not 100% positive will turn out (in low lighting for example)? But I'll only keep it to a few I swear!

Jeez, there's so much drama in this swap discussion I'm not sure I want to join just because of THAT!

If you want to stray from ataventure's swap parameters then CREATE YOUR OWN SWAP! Start a "picture CD" swap or "I'm too cheap to spend another dollar or two on postage" swap or "I'm not secure enough to relinquish control of my camera settings to an inferior disposable camera" swap.

Sorry to vent in your discussion, dude, but DAMN!

I think a lot of discussion is GREAT. It means people are not only interested, but want to make sure they understand the swap correctly. I was one who suggested sending a CD and my reason was not because I am cheap or unwilling to send international, but because (for me) it is fun to view a slide show. I also like tweaking photos, like getting rid of red eye or adding brightness if needed. Furthermore, pictures can be shared amongst our group if created digitally.

Perhaps there is also much discussion because this is a unique swap idea. I read a lot of excitement in the comments and questions.

Congratulations on a GREAT swap idea, ataventure. It looks like on that might bear being repeated. :-) You are also doing a commendable job on answering questions and concerns. You must be an experienced swap host.

Side note: darling husband and I went away for the weekend for our anniversary and I forgot my camera at home. We bought a disposable so we could record our weekend and I am SO eager to see how the photos turned out. I didn't realize I had forgotten that sense of eager anticipation that comes with developing film rather than downloading digital photos (which typically sit on the computer for months before printing). OOPS. :-)

this is such a great swap! and i am thinking that i will probably just have a cd or an extra set of prints made when i develop the film and send it back to my partner, so we both get to enjoy the pics!

what an awesome swap!!! I can't wait to start snapping away :)

Bubba smooth, you shouldn't just assume it's an extra dollar or too, in Canada what I've had sent to me for a dollar from the US costs me 7/8 dollars here, and that's just to the US, I can't even imagine how much international rates would be. And also, if you're venting, you shouldn't aim it towards just one person, because now I feel pretty damn stupid and not much like staying in this swap. I'm the only one who mentioned worry about postage AND camera settings. SO, I'm sorry that I like to ask questions so that I make sure I'm meeting the swap cirteria!! Next time I won't, just for you! Thanks for making my day, really.. It wasn't drama before, it was just curiousity. NOW it's drama.

I want to join the "I'm too cheap to spend another dollar or two on postage" -swap.

me too! great idea, sounds like a lot of fun, drama and all!! :)

I think that would be a pretty fun, challenging idea. I'm thinking do a swap for something that you'd assume would end up being very large/weighty and challenge people to defy that and find a way to fullfill the swap for a very small amount of shippng. The only problem is what... Anyone in on this idea?

Oh good grief - I have never seen so much yakking!! I can see all people's points of view though so I'm going to either help out or butt in depending on how you see it!

If you want to send a disposable camera stay in the swap.

If you want to send a CD of photos join my CD Photo Day swap that I have just set up! Or do both!!

Sorry Helen! I'll cut the chatter.

I totally love the camera idea. I am in even if I get an overseas partner. I don't mind. It should not be that expensive.

My 14 year old son has taken over as photographer though. I took him with me to go shoot and he wanted to take some pictures. He is a better photographer than me, so I let him have control. My partner will see through the eyes of a 14 year old boy:)

I have the most fun idea for the pictures to take with my disposable camera. I hope my partner enjoys the results as much I will enjoy taking the pictures!

Wow--who's moderating this swap anymore?

As for those who have made suggestions about changing the swap idea, I'm pleased that you're excited, but I've already made it clear what I have in mind for my swap. If more swaps come out of my idea, then that's great. All I can say is--if you don't like the Disposable Camera idea, why waste your time participating? And if you're into it, great! The more the merrier!

As for those who've come to the discussion board complaining about the discussion, cut it out. The point of a discussion board or comment board is to make discussion. If you don't like it, you don't have to read it. If you're into it, go ahead and add a comment. If anything changes in the swap, I'll be sure to let all participants know. But I have no problem with the idea exchange.

The 'drama' is unnecessary. As is the rudeness.

And thank you to Helen for the Photo CD Swap for those who cannot afford my swap, or to those who enjoy digital imaging.

I can't wait to get started on this swap. But because I'm a nut I'm thinking about taking a pic with my digital camera at the "same time" I take my disposable camera pic -- just so I get a copy myself. LOL

The idea of being surprised by getting the film developed it cool! It's like finding a roll of film in a drawer from a birthday party ten years ago and getting it developed. :) SURPRISE!

Sorry ataventure. I think there was just some confusion because of that last little bit on the end about possibly sending a roll of film. Maybe cutting that would cause less of the urge to deviant from disposables? Just my 2 cents though :) -Spoon

*deviate

Sewing Spoon, I included a second option after receiving a wealth of requests from people looking to participate without having to spend a lot of money on shipping.

hi, i'm new , i just mailed out my first swap package today! can I join this one too? I think it would be terrific FUN!!!

im excited..i was cleaning today and found a new dispos cam in there . still in package. no idea what to do with it but now i do..thanks for a perfect swap.

Go ahead and sign up, Susan45062.

This is a great idea and I am excited to participate.

One question though, are you facilitating a way for all the photos to be shared after the swap, for example a flickr site or even uploaded here? I know that I at the least will scan the photos I receive to email back to the sender.

I would be interested to see how my photos turned out.

Thanks.

I agree with adam, I would like to see how my pics turned out after my partner gets them developed. Plus, I've already forgotten all of what I took pics of. laughs

I haven't set up any sort of site for the photos. I figure, if anyone is interested in sharing, it can be done between individual partners. I don't want to make it a requirement for participants who do not have a scanner.

I wasn't thinking of it being a requirement, but someplace people could collectively post and view the photos, if they chose to.

Just an idea.

Waaaay cool swap!! And I hope I DO get an international partner.....way overseas where I'll never get a chance to go. I'm willing to pay a few dollars to see another part of our erath!!! =)

All of the chatter about settings and digital... and here i am hosting a POLAROID swap!!! LoL!

I am a newbie. I have participated in 3 swaps (have mailed the items to my partners already) but am waiting for them to receive their items and rate me. I would love it if you would allow me to participate?

Thanks. :)

i found 12 exposure disposable cameras for really cheep. would it be ok if i sent two of these instead?

That's fine, Laura. Canadian Girl, go ahead and sign up.

Thanks! I bought my disposable camera today. I actually bought 2 in hopes that you do this one again. I am so EXCITED!!!

I'm really excited to be joining this swap. And thanks to ataventure for allowing me, a brand-new newebie, to sign up. I'm mailing out my first swaps this week, and with two being "local" within the U.S., I'm expecting them to arrive to those partners of mine within a couple days. Ataventure, I'll gladly private message you their Swap-bot usernames and the names of the swaps so you can verify that they do receive them and that they are mailed very timely, as the postmarks can verify that. :-)

A quick question: Since I'm personally so into this whole disposable camera thing since it's the only means of photography I presently have, is it okay to go ahead and start taking pictures right away een though we're just in the signup phase of the swap?

Also, a little spin on the "don't send a list of what you take" angle of the swap that I'm wondering if it would be okay is this: Would it be okay to include a SEALED letter envelope in the mailing box that says something about the pictures I take? Why I'm asking this is because at least some of the photos I take will be of people who figure prominently into my life, and I'm not sure that unidentified people pictures would make any sense to my partner. I don't mean a long story or anything, just enough to identify one pople pic from another. And sealed so it won't spoil the surprise...you know soemthing like "Keep Sealed Until Pics Are Developed". Would something like that be okay? Or am I straying too far from your original idea? (I have a terrible emory and tend to jot down in a small notebook what's on a camera such as when there's a long time between starting one and finishing it and getting it developed. How fast I go through film (disposable cameras) depends on what's going on in my life at any given time.

Or if nothing else, should my partner inquire about any of the pics after developing them after the swap is over, keeping at least my own log of what I take would help me answer any questions should ny happen to arise. (I guess I'm a creature of habit, and old habits die hard...I mean about my tendency to jot down pics I take in a little notebook.)

Finally, as per the international aspect of this swap, I, too, would actually prefer an overseas partner for the same reason already noted...what a wonderful opportunity ths would be to see a part of the world I'll likely never get to see first-hand. Though, on the other hand, I have absolutely NOTHING against a U.S., Canadian, or otherwise North American partner, even one from my own state would be just fine, too, as everybody's life experiences and daily lives ae unique and different; none would be boring at all to me. :-D

Again, ataventure, thanks for offering such a unique and original swap idea. I absolutely LOVE it and can't wait to see additional rounds of the same in the future. :-D

ViveItalia-Please don't include a description of your pictures, whether or not they're in a sealed envelope. The swap isn't about "why" you take the pictures, or who they're of. It's about sharing something with a partner that is, perhaps, a bit abstract.

And yes, you can start taking pictures now.

Cool idea, I love it!

No XXX pictures though, please! ;-)

I don't want to be embarassed when I pick up my processed film. LOL.

I agree..nothing inappropriate would probably be best. :)

I think it would be awesome if my partner send me an email or a cd with the images on it, which is an option at most photo developing places and only costs an extra dollar or so. I know I plan on doing the same!

Count me in! Looking forward to sending pictures of lovely Kodiak Island!!!!!!!

I am also a newbie...I signed up for the cool religious icon swap and already have it packaged and ready to go. I am thinking this one would be great fun. Please let me know if I can join. ~happy creating~

But if you are the one who is developing the film, couldn't you get the CD option yourself?

AlohaSwapper, you aren't developing the film yourself. You're sending an undeveloped disposable camera to your partner. AmberFoam was referring (I believe) to having a CD made along with prints and sending the CD back to the person who sent her the camera in the first place.

ataventure thanks for adding me back to the swap I was a bit shock at why I wasnt told that I had been added normal when you join swaps you get an email about it.

May I please play, too?! I'm always ready to take more photos.

Thanks, Laura

is there any way we can make sure we get an international partner? i'm new and am not exactly sure how the whole partner thing works

oh, p.s. i'm new... is it ok if i sign up?

Yes, Alyssa, you can sign up. And no, there's no way to ensure that you get an international partner. It's a luck-of-the-draw sort of thing.

doitallmom, go ahead and sign up.

My camera is full and I am ready to send it! I had so much fun!

PLEASE NOTE

As of today, only 23 of the 124 participants in this swap are international . Thus, most of you will have a US-based partner. As most of you know, I have no control over who gets an international partner and who doesn't, nor do I have control over a non-US participant receiving a US participant. I'd prefer it if there was no switching among partners to get a non US participant, as someone usually gets forgotten.

Thanks for your cooperation!

Ataventure

i've used half my film - but don't know what to take photos of now!! perhaps i'll hold out til the weathers a bit nicer....

I am new, but this is a fantastic idea and I love it!

Is it okay if I join?

Hey.. this would be my first swap - I just created my profile 15 minutes ago. Is it okay if I join? Though I'm quite attached to my digital SLR, I'm really looking forward to taking photos with a disposable :D

sprytaen, go ahead and join.

Hey. I sent a message somewhere but not sure if it was the right place. I am new to swap-bot but not to swapping. I would absolutely love to participate in this if it is not too late. THANKS!

What incredible discussions! I am in about 10 swaps right now and this is my FAVORITE!!! I have always been a photo fanatic.....can't wait to get my disposable camera from my partner and get the photos developed..........love the anticipation!!! LOL ")

inkybru

Mine went out to Kitkat this morning. Taking around 7-10 days from the UK.

I sending "graphics_cactus" her camera today..... I'm offering to pay for the price of the CD to be made and sent back to me.....I hope she does that for me.

I've received some messages from folks who are still a bit confused about the details of this swap, so I'm going to try and lay out as simply as possible for anyone who has a question but doesn't want to ask.

To your partner, you must send:

1 (one) 35 millimeter (mm) film disposable camera with 24-36 exposures

These disposable cameras are often found at stores like Walmart, Target, your local supermarket, Walgreens, RiteAid

They're often manufactured by Kodak or Fujifilm, though they're also made by store-brands.

You will *not be sending a digital disposable camera. You will *not be sending prints nor a picture CD.

The due date for sending out your cameras is June 15th (this Friday). If you're going to be late, please let your partner know in advance.

Thank you to everyone for participating!!

~Ataventure

Laurie Varley aka hoopsielv

your cam is on its way. i to am willing to pay for a cd of mine. took some sweet shots.

i will send my partner a copy if she'd like.

HI--I received Brandy Doty's camera today (from Ohio to western PA) Can't wait to get it developed!

Inkybru - I received your camera last night! I can't wait to get the photos developed!

Mediatinker, I'm sending your camera today from the US.

s.contreras, i sent your camera out yesterday - i hope you enjoy the pictures! =D

Ooooh, it's been such a long time since I've had a camera developed. It will be fun to see what you sent, Barefoot Gypsy!

susan carter - your camera is going out today - sorry, i'm a California girl, not international... :( This was a fun swap!

Denise // reconstruction site: camera was sent today.

I learned that when mailing to Canada, you must describe what is inside for customs.

ENJOY <333

Aerichick-your camera went out in the mail today. Sorry it took so long-it turned out to be really hard to find things to take pictrues of, especially since you're a fellow Pennsylvanian. Enjoy! ^_^

Mokona-your camera is on its way. Let me know when you get it!

Laststraw - I mailed your camera today from Texas.

Hoopsielv...got your camera today and dropped it off to be developed. I'll have a CD of pics bright and early tomorrow morning. Can't wait to see!!

I'm having mine developed straight to a CD so I can share the pics with hoopsielv who sent it to me.

Grinch - I sent your camera yesterday, but it is coming from Japan so it might take a week or so! Please email me and let me know when it arrives!

sadtomato: I sent out your camera this afternoon from Canada, I'm hoping that the customs staff don't think the contents I declared are suspicious!

BarefootGypsy - took your camera to the Post Office yesterday, I think in normaly takes 7 - 8 days (coming from Scotland)! :)

chelle523 your camera is on it's way

skwerl81 I sent yours a couple of days ago so it should arrive soon, yay for getting to see Seattle!

Eden

Thanks for the wonderful pics hoopsielv!!! I've uploaded them to a flickr page to share with you -- so you can see how they turned out. :) (I emailed you the link)

Yowell- CAN NOT WAIT to get your camera! I have always wanted to visit Scotland!!! Yay!!

This has got to be one of the neatest swaps I've done... whimzee was so kind to show me my pics and the ones I got from BlueCrayons/Lipsoffire are just awesome! I would love to see this swap repeated again! :)

psychosomat1c: I've mailled your camera last friday, from Brazil. So it might take a while to arrive. Can you let me know when it reaches you? Hope you have fun with it.

CRAFTYDIANA...I mailed your camera out last Friday, June 15th. I attempted to take some artistic shots hoping you could use them in some of your crafts. If not, that all good too...just enjoy! Great swap!!

I got my camera yesterday---now off I go to wal-mart to get it developed--can't wait to see. thanks Amanda from Maine! Mine is being sent today. I had fun-I too tried to be artistic ---hopefully the pictures come out okay.

te3dd... got your camera yesterday and had the photos developed right away. they came our reall nice... the garden looks like an interesting place.... i will mail you back a cd of the photos. i will also post a few in the swap gallery. thanks again for this fun swap.

Whimzee, I received your camera today. It's sitting in line to be developed with a few rolls I have from the last trip I was on. But I'll try to get them out to be developed ASAP. Thank you again!

Brandi - your package is on it's way - Thanks for your understanding.

Thanks gayle for the camera..the photos are good, have sent a CD of them back to you, so you can see them too.:)

Meisterchick - I sent your camera out on the 15th. Let me know when you get it!

denisemichelle
I sent out your package a while ago...let me know when you get it!! WEEEEEEEE!

carniehands,

Thanks so much! I gave your ratings last night and tacked a note on to them- it was a great, and very thoughtful package! I'll send you a copy of the photos when I get them developed!

ALUMINATES........received the camera today! Will get it developed in the next day or two and have a CD made of them and send it back to you this week. Can't wait to see the photos!

inkybru

graphics_cactus, your camera arrived today- I can't wait to get it developed!

I uploaded the photos from graphics_cactus onto my flickr page, if anyone wants to take a look! This was way too much fun!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hellomokona/tags/graphicscactus/

kit kat i got your camera today - good job i am going shopping this morning! i can take it to be developed at the same time!!

Laurie Varley aka hoopsielv i got the cd today thanks. im going to pm you now.

Is anyone still around?? I have not rec'd my swap.

i to am waiting shoo shoo. my partner had a few emergencies so i told her i would wait.

have you contacted your partner either by email or thru here and asked if everything is ok with them and see if they sent?

If you have not received your package, please send me a swap-bot message. Thanks.

I haven't received mine either... :(

I developed my pics from Amanda in Bangor, Maine. Fun shots. I like the shots of all the different buildings and the bagel with cream cheese.

Thanks! Rachel

I haven't recieved my package yet either... :(

I received today the Camera... from AlohaSwapper... I'll develope it asap... I'm so excited!

WOW I can't believe the number of people who still haven't sent in this swap :(

newbie here but huge photography enthusiast and would LOVE to sign up for this...involved in just two other swaps at the moment...may i sign up..just watching at the moment