Paper Shoot Camera Photography Tips – The Complete Guide

From new user to expert: master all the secrets of Paper Shoot photography.
The Paper Shoot camera’s design philosophy is “simple yet not plain.”
Despite its minimalist operation, you can still capture stunning photos. Today,
we’ll share how to take amazing shots using this simple but powerful camera!

Basic Photography Principles
- Master the light: Lighting is the soul of photography, and Paper Shoot
is no exception. Whenever possible, shoot in good natural light. For
example, the soft, warm sunlight during early morning or late afternoon
(the “golden hour”) gives a lovely nostalgic feel. Indoors, have your
subject near a window so gentle side-light can add depth and warmth.
- Optimal shooting times: Daytime outdoors (with ample sunlight)
generally yields the best results with Paper Shoot’s fixed settings. The
camera loves light!
- Portrait tips: If you’re photographing people, try positioning the sun
behind your subject (backlighting) to give a natural glow and avoid 
harsh light on their face. This technique creates a beautiful rim light
and prevents squinting. Just be sure the sun isn’t shining directly into
the lens (to avoid unwanted glare).
- Avoid direct backlight: Don’t point the camera straight at a bright light
source like the sun, or your subject may become a dark silhouette.
Unless that’s the look you want, it’s better to reposition to keep the
primary light source behind you or to the side.
- Use natural elements: Get creative with shadows and reflections. For
instance, let tree leaves cast dappled shadows on your subject for a
dreamy effect, or use a building’s shadow to frame a brightly lit subject.
Since Paper Shoot doesn’t have manual settings, using your
environment to control light and shadow can add lots of interest to your
photos.
- Battery matters: This one’s easy to overlook, but using the right
batteries makes a difference! We strongly recommend Eneloop or
Energizer AAA rechargeable batteries. Regular disposable batteries
might not deliver consistent power and could affect performance. High-
quality rechargeables are more stable (and environmentally friendly),
ensuring your camera fires reliably and your flash (if using an external
one) charges properly. Plus, you won’t be creating battery waste – a
win-win for mindful photography.

Best Use Cases for the Four Built-in Filters
The Paper Shoot camera comes with four built-in filter modes (which you
cycle through via the switch): Color, Black & White, Sepia (retro warm tone),
and Blue (cool tone). Each has its strengths. Here’s how to make the most of
them:

Color Filter – All-Purpose Classic
Best for: Everyday shots, street photography, travel memories – any time you
want a natural look with a hint of vintage.
Characteristics: The Color filter gives a subtle film-like finish. Colors are
slightly muted (to mimic old film), which adds a nostalgic vibe while still
retaining true-to-life tones (especially for skin – people will look good). It’s like
an everyday filter that adds a touch of warmth and softness to your photos
without drastic effects.
Tips: Use the Color mode in well-lit conditions to get that soft, vintage feel in
your shots. It works great for scenes where you want a hint of nostalgia but
still want natural colors – think of a sunny picnic or a city street scene. In low
light, the effect is less noticeable, so this mode shines best with ample light.

Example: I took my Paper Shoot (Color mode on) to a weekend market and
snapped photos of fruit stands and flower stalls. The pictures came out with a
gentle, retro hue – the reds and yellows were just a touch faded, giving them
a 90s album cover feel that I absolutely loved.

Black & White Filter – Mood Master
Best for: Artistic portraits, architecture, dramatic scenes, or anytime you want
to focus on light and shadow without color.
Characteristics: The Black & White filter turns your photos monochrome in-
camera. Paper Shoot’s B&W has rich contrast, meaning it will make bright
areas bright and dark areas nice and deep. This mode strips away color
distractions and emphasizes shapes, textures, and emotions. It’s fantastic for
creating timeless, classic-looking images.Tips: Look for strong lighting when using harsh midday sun creating
stark shadows, or soft window light creating gentle contrast – both can work,
just think in terms of light and dark. Patterns and textures (like a brick wall, or
a person’s profile backlit by the sun) often look more pronounced and
interesting in black and white. Also, don’t shy away from cloudy days – the
natural contrast of clouds can create moody sky in B&W

Artistic Insight: Shooting in black and white can be liberating – since you’re
not worrying about color, you start to see the world in terms of light, shape,
and form. Some Paper Shoot users say using the B&W mode feels like
practicing mindful photography, because it forces you to focus on
composition and feeling. It’s a great way to train your photographer’s eye!

Sepia Filter – Warm Nostalgia
Best for: Sunset scenes, vintage-themed shots, cozy indoor lighting, or
whenever you want a warm, old-timey feel.
Characteristics: The Sepia mode gives your photos a warm brownish tone
(like old photographs from the 1970s). It adds a golden glow that’s perfect for
evoking nostalgia. Images will feel “aged” in a charming way – colors shift
toward brown and gold, and contrast is moderate to keep the vibe gentle.
Tips: This filter truly shines during golden hour (that period just after sunrise
or before sunset when the light is warm and soft). It will enhance the naturally
golden light, making your photos look like cherished memories. Try it at a cafe
with warm indoor lighting or on portraits for a flattering, vintage look. One neat
idea: use Sepia mode at a wedding or party – the photos come out looking
like they’re from a different era, which can be really fun.
(Full disclosure: Sepia is my personal favorite filter on the Paper Shoot!)

Cool Blue Filter – Fresh & Modern

Best for: Bright blue sky days, beach scenes, modern cityscapes, or
whenever you want a cool, refreshing tone.
Characteristics: The Blue filter gives photos a teal/cool tint, similar to the
look of some retro cross-processed film or the popular “orange and teal” style.
It punches up blues and tones down warmth. Skies, water, and white clouds
look especially vivid. The overall mood is cool, clean, and a bit dreamy – think
of those modern insta-worthy city shots or a high-contrast beach photo.
Tips: Use the Blue filter to accentuate nature’s blues – oceans, rivers, sky,
and also the greens of foliage (they’ll take on a cooler, lush tone). It’s great at
the pool or anywhere with vibrant colors you want to make pop in a funky way.
Avoid using it in very warm light (like indoors under yellow lamps), because
the blue tint might make the scene look too cold or unnatural. But in neutral or
cool light, it’s magic. One fun idea: try the Blue mode at night with city lights –
you might get a cool neon vibe!Fun fact: Many users love the Cool Blue filter for winter shots (snow and sky
look amazing) and also for giving summer photos a trendy, cinematic feel. It’s
a perfect example of how Paper Shoot is a digital film camera – delivering
analog-style vibes straight out of camera.