Technology Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Living Our Sunshine with Susann Deysel

December 13, 2018 2 Mins Read

Instax Mini 8 VS Instax Mini 9

Sometimes we are tempted to buy the cheaper of the 2 because we can’t see the difference – or it doesn’t matter because we want a specific colour. I used to have an Instax Mini 8 and although nothing is wrong with it I was just too happy to pass it onto my sister when I received and Instax Mini 9 – and this is why:

The Instax Mini 8 and Instax Mini 9 is so similar that you could easily think they are the same, but the Instax 8 was released with a limited colour range and without a selfie mirror or close-up lens attachment.

Key differences between the Instax Mini 8 and Instax Mini 9

Instax Mini 8	Instax Mini 9
Available in white, pink, blue, yellow, black, raspberry and grape	Available in lime green, cobalt blue, ice blue, flamingo pink, smoky white
Can buy selfie mirror attachment	Has a selfie mirror built in already
Can buy close-up lens attachment	Close-up lens attachment included
Strap is a round rope	Strap is a flat ribbon

There are however a few limited or special edition colours and cartoon model Instax cameras like the Instax Mini Hello Kitty and Minions.

If you are planning to buy the Mini Instax 8 you might want to check out this video:

To get see the Instax Mini 9 in action check this video out:

This video is a treat for all the Hello Kitty fans out there:

If you are a Minion fan…

I have seen the Instax Minion Camera being sold on Takealot on special for R799 marked down from R1189. There is also Minion themed film! It is all about timing when you buy…

May 1, 2018 2 Mins Read

Travel Tips: Book your own trip online

It sucks that the Rand is such a volatile currency and just when you think, OK I’m going to do it, it tanks. Then you have to go back and talk to the travel agents again to see if there isn’t some special or other trip you could afford.

Well, to be honest I don’t use travel agents anymore. I make my own amazing holidays happen by doing all the work myself and using a few websites to get the cheapest flights and accommodation.

Check www.flightfactory.co.za to find and compare flights. You can even search multi city flights. Plus, book your flights online. It is not just for local flights either!

Accommodation… well, this is where it gets interesting. AirBnB has extra charges compared to Booking.com. It really comes down to after you’ve added all the costs, found spaces in the right places which site would work for you. I prefer Booking.com and even have the app on my phone with my itinerary and details of all the places I’ve booked.

Forex – sigh, you can only buy from 60 days before your trip. Subscribe to your bank’s forex newsletter and stay on top of the exchange rates. Some destinations it is easier to just take your credit card or a currency card, but other destinations like Zanzibar and the Maldives you need cash for the smaller informal transactions.

Anyway, I am finalising my list of things to do, places to go on Reunion Island and know that it is going to be epic!

August 16, 2017 1 Min Read

Zanzibar captured with #INSTAX

I am probably more proud of these pictures than any other I have taken. Maybe it is the fact that it was of Maasai or that I sent them home with a token for their families…

The Maasai kept the Instax photos, but I get to keep these memories forever too.

I will never forget Fathima walking on the beach with just a month to go before her baby’s birth. The smile she gave when she thanked me for the photo she would be able to show her child one day ♥️

…and Stonetown! I wish I had spent more time here and could wander the streets to capture all the beautiful doors. I hope that I can return one day to finish this INSTAX photo project.

Plus when you take a bunch of photos you get to play with them right there on the beach 🙂

Oh and this is my black Instax Mini with its pink cover 🙂

August 8, 2017 2 Mins Read

Bucket list item ticked off – met a Maasai #INSTAX

I didn’t expect to see Maasai in Zanzibar, so it was a bonus. I first spotted a Maasai walking on our trip from the airport and then at the hotel.

The Maasai people, as you know, are known as brave warriors that would go as far as take a kill from lions. They are born hunters and learn to use quite primitive (but effective) weapons. Their traditional clothing always include red, but also some blue – and consists of 2 sarongs, a belt to hang their weapon from and sandals.

The first full day on the island, after we received the news of my father-in-law’s passing, I spent my time taking photos and chatting to the beach walkers. Then I met Ngulele, one of the Maasai. He noticed that I walked around on my own with 2 cameras and he stopped to ask if all was OK. I briefly chatted to him and expressed my wish to take photos of the Maasai at the resort – and asked if he could organize this. He quickly agreed.

That night I was sitting outside watching the sunset when he stopped to chat with me. He told me that he goes home once a year depending on when the low season is at the hotel. He usually only goes home for a month at a time. He said that most of the guys did the same and that we can take the photo the following night.

The following night they all arrived. The excitedly chatted to each other and loved that I specially asked to take photos of them. However, next moment one of the Maasai was snapping pictures while I got to be in the picture holding a traditional weapon. These pictures were taken after the sun set… so I’m super chuffed they came out so well!

That photo session with the Maasai, was the most memorable moment of the trip to Zanzibar.

After that I took photos of some of the Maasai (as I found them in daylight) with my Instax. A thank you that they could give to someone special at home.

June 26, 2017 2 Mins Read

Zanzibar: Fathima on the beach #INSTAX

Some stories from a trip need to be told separately. I didn’t walk around with all my cameras all the time, but when I did there were some amazing opportunities.

I was walking on the beach with my FujiFilm (this camera has been to Europe, Egypt, Thailand, Mozambique and the Maldives) and Instax Mini when I saw Fathima picking up sea grass at around 6pm (low tide). She was etched against the sky and sea in her colourful garb and I asked if I could take a photo of her and in return I would give her a photo like the Instax photo I was holding.

Fathima held onto the instant Instax photo and smiled as she started appearing in the frame. Her smile widened and she said “this photo she will show to her baby one day and tell him/her about the day she had it taken”. By the time I took the digital photo of her holding her photo she was smiling from ear to ear.

I am glad I took my Instax to the beach so I could give her a special photograph for her baby.

I saw Fathima the last morning we were in Zanzibar. She was harvesting sea grass again and when she spotted me she waved and yelled, “Hello Susann, it is me Fathima”. I waved back and took a picture of Fathima etched against the sun.

I know what you think…

In Zanzibar the people do not have that much and I didn’t see many smartphones. This woman by chance stumbled on someone that just happened to have an Instax and could give her a photo on the spot.

February 13, 2017 1 Min Read

INSTAX Door Project Update

I don’t know what I’m enjoying more – taking photos with the Instax Mini 8 or taking photos of the Instax photos. Finding the doors also makes me happy and seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they see the photos is just such a nice feeling.

When I first started thinking about doing the project I had a vague memory of my parents’ old Instamatic camera – and a few photos from my childhood. Then I got the Instax Mini 8 and it just gelled. The camera attracts attention and I get to take unique photos.

First there was the mosque in Midrand…

Then there was a wonderful pink door at Sherbet Angel Spa.

This was followed by 2 doors from Limpopo – Big Baobab Pub door and green door from the Pioneer House.

…and this was followed by the door of the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria.

I think I have finally mastered the Instax Mini 8 camera 🙂

I am going into Joburg city soon to capture some of the historic doors that make up this vibrant city. It is going to be epic!