Picture This: Why You Should Use A PaperShoot Camera
- Rachel Huss
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Whenever I think of photography, I think of capturing memories that linger long after the moment has passed. In January 2026, I traveled to New Orleans with friends for a bachelor party, where my friend Erika brought along her PaperShoot camera. Its clever, sustainable design delivers the charm of a disposable camera without sacrificing image quality. Intrigued, I reached out to the company's founder, George Lin, to learn more about the company and its story.
What makes a PaperShoot camera different from other cameras?
When I created PaperShoot, I wanted it to feel nothing like the cameras we’re used to. Ours isn’t about megapixels or tech specs. It’s about emotion, simplicity, and sustainability. We design our cameras using eco-friendly materials like stone paper and RoHS-compliant components, and intentionally exclude a screen. That way, you’re not distracted by previews or notifications. You just focus on the moment, click, and move on.
PaperShoot feels like shooting film, but without the expense or waste. The nostalgic grain, warm tones, and analog-style filters are all built in. It’s digital photography reimagined for a slower, more intentional pace of life.
We’ve also made it highly customizable. The camera case is interchangeable, and many of our customers decorate their own or collect different styles. It's become a platform for creativity and self-expression, whether you're a kid picking up your first camera or an artist crafting your aesthetic. PaperShoot isn't just a camera; it's a tool to capture your story, your way.
How has PaperShoot evolved since its founding?
I started PaperShoot back in 2013 with a simple goal: to revive the joy of photography in a world overwhelmed by screens and perfectionism. Our first models were humble, around 3 megapixels, but they had heart. Over the years, we've grown not only in specs, now 20MP with video and timelapse functions, but in vision.
We've exhibited at design shows in Tokyo, Paris, and New York. In 2021, TIME Magazine named PaperShoot one of the year’s Best Inventions. We've been featured by CNN, WIRED, Forbes, and The New York Times. That global recognition affirmed that what we built in a small studio in Taiwan could speak to people around the world.
Along the way, we’ve partnered with brands like Disney, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, and Star Wars for creative collaborations. And most importantly, we’ve stayed grounded in our values. We donate cameras to underserved communities and run workshops for children in rural Taiwan, Nepal, Indonesia, and beyond. Watching kids discover the joy of taking photos, that’s when I know we’re doing something right.
How does PaperShoot incorporate its mission and vision into its products?
Every part of the PaperShoot experience, how it’s made, how it feels, and what it inspires, is rooted in our mission. We believe in creating technology that slows you down, invites you to see differently, and respects the planet.
We use recycled components and sustainable materials, including stone paper for our cases and plastic-free packaging. Our design philosophy is “less is more,” no screen, no distraction. Just one button, four filters, and your intuition.
We want people to reconnect with life through photography, not through endless editing apps. Our hope is that when someone picks up a PaperShoot, they pause, frame the shot with care, and rediscover the magic of not knowing exactly how it’ll turn out.
And beyond the product itself, we see the camera as a catalyst for creativity, personal expression, and social connection. That’s why we support youth programs, encourage DIY customization, and build a global community around the joy of seeing.
What advice would you give to students and young professionals who want to start their own business?
Start with love. Find something you believe in deeply, an idea that wakes you up in the morning, and stick with it, even when it’s hard.
Don’t be afraid to be different. PaperShoot succeeded because we didn’t try to out-tech big camera companies. We went in the opposite direction: less resolution, fewer buttons, no screen. It sounded risky, but it connected with people who were tired of digital fatigue and missed the beauty of imperfection.
Build a mission, not just a product. If your idea solves a real problem or brings real joy, the market will find you. Surround yourself with people who complement your strengths. For me, that was my wife, Miffy. She brought art and aesthetic to my tech ideas. Our partnership is what gave PaperShoot its soul.
Lastly, think beyond profits. Ask how your business can make the world a little better. That mindset won’t just motivate you, it will attract the right people, partners, and customers to your journey.
What’s the future of the company?
We’re building more than just a camera brand, we’re building a movement. Our vision is to make PaperShoot the home of a global photography community rooted in creativity, sustainability, and joy.
We’ll continue to expand into new markets and collaborate with artists, designers, and organizations that align with our values. Expect more limited-edition shells, creative kits, and events where users can share their work and connect with one another.
At the same time, we’re scaling our nonprofit initiative, “Shoot For Good,” which provides cameras and education to children in underserved communities. We want photography to be a bridge between people, cultures, and generations.
Everything we do will stay aligned with our compass: innovation with heart, and sustainability with purpose. I believe a small camera can make a big impact, and that PaperShoot can help people see their world with fresh eyes.
George always emphasizes gratitude. PaperShoot began in a tiny studio in Taiwan and now reaches over 30 countries because people believed in a simpler, more human way to capture life. Technology doesn’t have to be cold; it can be warm, poetic, even healing, helping people hold on to the moments that truly matter.
