MovieChat Forums > Shutter (2008) Discussion > Why use a disposable camera?

Why use a disposable camera?

posted 11 years ago by SpecialAgentScully
6 replies | jump to latest

Did anyone else think it was strange/amusing how a professional photographer would use a disposable camera to take photos of his new bride when they came home to their apt. at the beginning? Wouldn't he think those things were just pieces of junk? If I were a photog like that, I wouldn't even allow a disposable camera in my home!!!! I guess it was just a plot device because it meant that they couldn't see the photos right away, like they could if it had been a digital camera. But it was an unrealistic plot device.

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. -Edison

[–] LordManhammer 11 years ago

I think that when the movie was made (and even still now) it was a fad for people to hand out disposable cameras at their wedding receptions so they end up with a bunch of photos taken by guests.

Ben probably had an extra one to hand when they arrived home, and so used it instead of a clunky professional camera. Yes, it's for the plot, but I think it's semi-believable.

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"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room!"--Pres. Merkin Muffley

[–] SpecialAgentScully 11 years ago

But you don't have to use a "clunky professional camera" to still get better shots than a disposable camera would give you. Even digital cameras were far better than disposable cameras in the year this movie was made! I used a disposable camera once or twice and all the photos turned out greenish. It was horrible, I'd never use one. ...Especially if I was an expert at photo-taking!

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. -Edison

[–] Tyler-A-Arse 10 years ago

A professional photographer? Using cheap disposables? Yeah, I thought that odd, too. It crossed my mind right when he pulled it out on their wedding night. (the camera, I mean)

[–] CGlMDB 10 years ago

I went to a wedding once where there were disposable cameras next to everyone's place settings. The idea was to have the guests use them & leave them behind. I'll always wonder if the real, hired photographer was annoyed by that, lol.

[–] spookyrat1 9 years ago

Some professional photographers use all sorts of gear for all sorts of reasons and effects. In this film we see disposable cameras used, polaroid instamatics, simple digital cameras, sophisticated digital equipment, as well as film )needing to be developed) being shot. I didn't have a problem at all with the range of equipment.🐭

[–] CGlMDB 9 years ago

Good observation! Showing that whole range was a nice touch given the importance of photography in general in the film.