PolaCon NYC

Polaroid Presents: PolaCon NYC - May 30 - June 1, 2025

Ladies and gentleman and everyone above and beyond: We are thrilled to invite you to the THIRD PolaCon to EVER be held in NYC! Instant Film Society, Brooklyn Film Camera, and Polaroid are joining forces to bring you the biggest and best PolaCon yet. Please join us from May 30 - June 1, 2025 for three days of instant film delight.

Event specifics and ticketing information is coming soon. Watch this space for more information as it develops!

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!

☞ Click here to join the PolaCon NYC WhatsApp group chat ☜ This will be the main channel for official updates, scheduling changes, and more. Participants are encouraged to share images, share plans, and more! The Group will be administered by IFS and BFC. We strongly encourage all Polacon participants to join this group to stay up-to-date, make connections, and enhance the weekend!

GET INVOLVED

We are currently seeking Workshop Leaders, Presenters, Artists, Vendors, Volunteers, and more! Want to get involved in PolaCon NYC 2025? Fill out the form(s) below:

Presenter Application

Volunteer Application CLOSED

Vendor Application

VENUE GUIDE

Brooklyn Film Camera

855 Grand Street / Brooklyn, NY 11211

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53 Scott

53 Scott Ave / Brooklyn, NY 11237

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

☞ FRIDAY (Day 1)

11:00 - 7:00 | BFC Backyard Social

\\ Brooklyn Film Camera

\\ Slow things down and relax in BFC's backyard with other film photographers. Beer will be available from Brooklyn Brewery and vibes will be curated by Polaroid. Stop by to grab all the film you need, see who's around, and hang out for as long as you'd like in BFC's backyard oasis.

\\ Open to the public

1:00 | DOORS OPEN

\\ PolaCon NYC begins! Join us at 53 Scott Ave on the 5th Floor for Day 1 of the world’s largest gathering of instant film artists!

1:00 - 6:00 | Check-in to PolaCon

\\ 53 Scott - WELCOME DESK

\\ Check-in to PolaCon, get your wristband, and join the fun!

1:15 - 1:30 | Opening Address

\\ 53 Scott - MAIN STAGE

\\ A short hello from the organizers. Get oriented to PolaCon and the flow of the weekend's festivities at this short opening address.

1:30 - 2:30 | Polaroid 101 with Martin Souza

\\ 53 Scott - WORKSHOP ZONE 1

\\ New to Polaroid? This is for you! Join Martin Souza for an interactive workshop for beginners and anyone curious to learn the essentials of shooting Polaroid film. You’ll learn about how the film functions and behaves, and the fundamentals of shooting it from a ground-up perspective. All questions welcomed and no previous photography experience is required. A great way to jump into the PolaCon weekend if you’re new to the artform!

2:00 - 3:00 | Altering Polaroids with Ink Injections with Jari Poulin

\\ 53 Scott - WORKSHOP ZONE 2

\\ Take your Polaroids to the next level with this experimental creative technique! Join Jari Poulin for a talk and demonstration on how to inject and manipulate ink into Polaroids while they’re actively developing and after development. Students will utilize hypodermic needles and simple inks to create special effects and experiment with the interactions and serendipities of the playfulness of image and ink.

2:30 - 3:30 | The Group Shot with Naeem Douglas

\\ 53 Scott - WORKSHOP ZONE 1

\\ Have you ever wanted to make a 1990’s group shot album cover? Join photographer Naeem Douglas to learn the ins & outs of composing and arranging groups of people. In this workshop, you’ll learn the tips and tricks to get the best out of your next band shot.

3:00 - 3:30 | Open-Source SX-70 Hacking with Zane Pollard

\\ 53 Scott - WORKSHOP ZONE 2

\\ Did you know that there’s a sizable community of SX-70 hackers out there? Come meet one! Join photographer and tinkerer Zane Pollard for a talk and demonstration about OpenSX70, an open-source hardware and software initiative to enhance the classic Polaroid SX-70 camera. Zane will guide you through the features of the system and provide a hands-on demonstration. Learn the inner workings of one of the most amazing cameras ever made and how to push it to even greater heights!

3:00 - 3:30 | Through the Lens: Polaroid Experiments in Live Music with Cassidy Rose

\\ 53 Scott - MAIN STAGE

\\ Dive into the unique challenges of shooting Polaroid in the live music space! Learn from music photographer Cassidy Rose about her method and process and engage in a short Q&A where you can ask anything you’d like. With an emphasis on embracing the spirit of getting experimental, she will guide you through gear prep, format choices, and pointers for shooting artist both on and off stage.

3:30 - 4:00 | Words with Word$ with Ramon Lazo

\\ 53 Scott - MAIN STAGE

\\ Live music and Polaroids are a match made in heaven - if you know the tricks! Join photographer Ramon Lazo (aka 1000WORD$) for a talk and presentation about his work shooting Polaroid within the music industry. He will be sharing images from his collection and the stories behind them.

4:00 - 4:30 | Modern DIY Camera Manufacturing with Mario Machon

\\ 53 Scott - WORKSHOP ZONE 1

\\ Do you fall asleep at night dreaming of the perfect camera? Well your dreams can become a reality by harnessing the power of modern at-home machines and tools! Join engineer and camera hacker Mario Machon for a workshop that will guide you through the state of modern DIY camera manufacturing. He will discuss 3D printing, laser-cutting, epoxy/resin techniques and more. The workshop includes an interactive demo inviting students to utilize one of Mario’s custom cameras or be photographed by it!

4:30 - 5:00 | Polaroid Film Pack Masking with Carlton Bright

\\ 53 Scott - WORKSHOP ZONE 2

\\ Spice up your Polaroids! Join photographer and artist Carlton Bright for a step-by-step demo on the art of Polaroid film-pack masking. Carlton has been working creatively with Polaroid film since the 80's and will show you his techniques for turning instant film into instant art!

5:00 - 5:30 | Photo Zine Making with Amy Bruce

\\ 53 Scott - WORKSHOP ZONE 1

\\ Embrace the low-cost, low-res delight of zine making! Join Amy Bruce to learn her techniques for creating zines by utilizing scanned, photographic images and special paper-folding methods. By using a simple one-page folded book structure, you can turn your photos into mini books that you can write on, add to, or trade!

5:00 - 5:30 | 14 Years Working with Polaroid: Q&A with Kyle Depew

\\ 53 Scott - CHILL ZONE

\\ Kyle began working for The Impossible Project back in 2011 and has never looked back. His years with the company greatly shaped his decision to create Brooklyn Film Camera in 2015: A camera shop, community space, gallery, and one of the only remaining Polaroid-specialized repair centers in the world. Flop down on an oversized bean bag and join Kyle in the Chill Zone to ask him anything you want about his professional career, instant film, musings on the nature of life, political ramblings, absurdisms, and more. Three “best questioners” will be given a surprise gift!

5:30 - 6:30 | Paul Giambarba’s Iconic Designs as told by his son Andrew Giambarba

\\ 53 Scott - MAIN STAGE

\\ How did Polaroid become so beautiful? Learn about the man behind the brand! Paul Giambarba (1928–2023) was Polaroid’s first Art Director and was with the company from 1958 into the 1980’s. He was responsible for creating their iconic branding and package design and firmly established Polaroid’s distinctive visual identity for generations to come. Join his son Andrew as he guides you through the colorful decades of design that his father lovingly made for Polaroid.

6:30 - 6:45 | Raffle Time with Polaroid!

\\ 53 Scott - MAIN STAGE

\\ Cross your fingers and pray for luck because Polaroid is doing some great giveaways this year! All PolaCon attendees will be given a raffle ticket at check-in; be sure to keep your copy handy for the drawing!

8:00 | DOORS CLOSE

\\ PolaCon Day 1 is over, so go have some fun out on the town with your new friends! But be sure to stay rested for Saturday, our main day of programming.

8:00 - ??? | Choose Your Own Adventure

\\ Enjoy Bushwick’s many nightlife options within walking distance from the event. Bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and more!

\\ Some Suggestions: House of Yes (night club), Elsewhere (night club), Jupiter Disco (funky bar), Honey’s (cute bar), Carousel (groovy bar), The Keep (cozy bar), The Johnson’s (dive bar).

\\ Open to the public

☞ SATURDAY (Day 2)

11:00 - 7:00 | BFC Backyard Social

\\ Brooklyn Film Camera

\\ Slow things down and relax in BFC's backyard with other film photographers. Beer will be available from Brooklyn Brewery and vibes will be curated by Polaroid. Stop by to grab all the film you need, see who's around, and hang out for as long as you'd like in BFC's backyard oasis.

\\ Open to the public

1:00 | DOORS OPEN

\\ Join us at 53 Scott Ave on the 5th Floor for Day 2 (the “Main Day”) of the world’s largest gathering of instant film artists!

1:00 - 6:00 | Check-in to PolaCon

\\ 53 Scott - WELCOME DESK

\\ Check-in to PolaCon, get your wristband, and join the fun!

1:30 - 2:30 | “In An Instant” Live! With Ben Fraternale

\\ 53 Scott - MAIN STAGE

\\ Your favorite instant photography show at your favorite convention? Could it be true?! Join Ben from the “In An Instant” YouTube series to kick off PolaCon Day 2’s Main Stage activities with a bang. He will be hosting a live recording of an episode featuring a rapid-fire rotation of guests, and covering a variety of instant topics, games, trivia, and more!

2:30 - 3:30 | Shoot Polaroid Integral Film on a 4x5 Camera with Intrepid Camera

\\ 53 Scott - WORKSHOP ZONE 1

\\ Ever wanted to shoot Polaroid integral film (i-Type/600/SX-70) with your 4x5 camera? Well, now you can with just a little DIY! Taking inspiration from Fuji's Quick Load 4x5 system and giving those dusty Polaroid 545 holders a new lease of life, Maxim and Liv from Intrepid Camera have come up with an easy and super fun way to use classic Polaroid film on your 4x5. With nothing more than some black card, glue and tape we will show you how to make this film compatible with any 4x5 system! Are the pictures reversed? Yes, they are. Is it a bit hit and miss if it works? Yes, very. Is it a lot of fun? Also yes. Come and learn all about the process, give it a go, and leave with some beautiful instant photos to call your own.

2:30 - 3:30 | Polaroids & Cyanotypes with Ezra Stone

\\ 53 Scott - WORKSHOP ZONE 2

\\ Harness the power of the sun! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll discover how to use sunlight and chemistry to make unique, cyanotype prints from your Polaroid transparencies. Students will leave with the ability to create Polaroid transparencies and a knowledge of the process behind what gives a cyanotype its brilliant blue color.

3:00 - 3:30 | No Gatekeeping: Instantly Booked & Busy with Gregory Littley and Sissi Lu\\ 53 Scott - MAIN STAGE

\\ In light of the cultural resurgence of analog photography and the unique aesthetic and appeal of Polaroids in a digital-first world, the amount of possibilities to create art and partner with brands in a paid capacity is limitless. Join Gregory and Sissi for a conversation guided by their work over the past few years as they lay out a road map explaining how to network and book paid work while shooting analog film. They will explore how Polaroid photography has evolved into a viable content marketing form and how creators and photographers can concept, pitch, and monetize instant photography through various avenues.

3:00 - 3:30 | Practices in Polaroid Portraiture with Sabrina Santiago

\\ 53 Scott - WORKSHOP ZONE 1

\\ Join NYC photographer Sabrina Santiago for a deep dive into her photography and the importance of utilizing Polaroids in her practice. She will discuss her history working with Polaroid, the ways she uses instant film, and will present a selection of her work. Sabrina’s work has been featured in The New York Times, New York Magazine, and more, and she’s been commissioned by brands like Polaroid and Meta. Learn from one of the best in the biz in this informative artist talk!

3:00 - 3:30 | Utilizing Multiple Flashes for Polaroid Group Shots with Nick McManus

\\ 53 Scott - WORKSHOP ZONE 2

\\ Learn to quickly wrangle people together and how to properly expose group portraits with legendary NYC party photographer Nick McManus. He will show you how his flash systems operate, how he adjusts for both indoor and outdoor portrait sessions, and how he ensures that each face in the group is seen in the resulting Polaroid image. You’ll leave understanding the importance of Nick’s famous line: “Uno mas!”

3:30 - 4:30 | Polaroid 20x24 with John Reuter and Harriet Browse

\\ 53 Scott - MAIN STAGE

\\ You think 8x10 is big? Try 20x24! Join Polaroid legends John Reuter and Harriet Browse as they present a talk tracing the Polaroid 20x24 camera system from its origins in 1976. They will show work from some of the early artists to utilize the medium and will then segue into the current state of the project as supported by the Polaroid Foundation. They will show work that they’ve made recently in Venice, Ghana, Paris and London, and will discuss upcoming projects that they have planned in Rome and Italy. John has been the director of the 20x24 Studio since 1980 and is a wealth of knowledge on all things Polaroid.

4:30 - 5:00 | One Shot Only: The Challenge and Beauty of Unrepeatable Images with Emily Soto

\\ 53 Scott - MAIN STAGE

\\ The tension between control and chance is at the heart of instant film photography. In her talk, Emily Soto explores the delicate balance required when working with various instant film mediums - where the photographer must surrender part of the outcome to the unpredictable nature of the materials. She shares insights into the unique challenges and fleeting beauty that arise when shooting under intense time constraints, revealing how spontaneity, imperfection, and quick decision-making can lead to some of the most compelling and authentic images.

4:30 - 5:30 | Shooting in Natural Light on the Polaroid Flip with Harriet Browse

\\ 53 Scott - WORKSHOP ZONE 1

\\ Join Polaroid’s lead in-house photographer for a hands-on workshop with the new Polaroid Flip! Students will learn all there is to know about the new camera as well as tips and tricks for getting the most out of your portrait sessions by using natural light as your primary source.

5:00 - 6:00 | Polaroid 8x10 Portrait Demonstration with Nick Collingwood

\\ 53 Scott - WORKSHOP ZONE 2

\\ Go big or go home! Actually don’t go home, come to this workshop instead. Join photographer Nick Collingwood as he demonstrates the wonderful world of large format by utilizing modern Polaroid 8x10 film. He will demonstrate the process of loading, shooting, and processing the film from start to finish and will make some portraits live before your very eyes!

6:00 - 6:15 | Raffle Time with Polaroid!

\\ 53 Scott - MAIN STAGE

\\ Cross your fingers and pray for luck because Polaroid is doing some great giveaways this year! All PolaCon attendees will be given a raffle ticket at check-in; be sure to keep your copy handy for the drawing!

6:15 - 7:15 | The State of the Emulsion Address with Ben Fraternale, Kyle Depew, Daniel Rodrigue, Marc Rebillet, Birgit Buchart, Jorge Garcia, Emily Soto, Ruben Nijhuis, Sabrina Santiago, Sissi Lu, and Mario Machon.

\\ 53 Scott - MAIN STAGE

\\ A PolaCon tradition! Join this wonderful cast of characters for a panel discussion and Q&A covering a variety of instant and non-instant film related topics. Got a question you'd like to ask the panel? Bring it on! This crew is ready for you. God bless the United States of Emulsion.

7:15 - 7:30 | Raffle Time with Polaroid!

\\ 53 Scott - MAIN STAGE

\\ Oh you thought we were done?! No way baby. This is the final drawing and your last chance to win something special from Polaroid! Be sure to stick around for it. All PolaCon attendees will be given a raffle ticket at check-in; be sure to keep your copy handy for the drawing!

8:00 | DOORS CLOSE

\\ PolaCon Day 2 is over, so go have some fun out on the town with your new friends! But be sure to save some energy for a Photo Walk on Sunday and for the festivities at Brooklyn Film Camera.

8:00 - ??? | Choose Your Own Adventure

\\ Enjoy Bushwick’s many nightlife options within walking distance from the event. Bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and more!

\\ Some Suggestions: House of Yes (night club), Elsewhere (night club), Jupiter Disco (funky bar), Honey’s (cute bar), Carousel (groovy bar), The Keep (cozy bar), The Johnson’s (dive bar).

\\ Open to the public

☞ SUNDAY (Day 3)

1:00 - 7:00 | BFC Backyard Social

\\ Brooklyn Film Camera

\\ Slow things down and relax in BFC's backyard with other film photographers. Beer will be available from Brooklyn Brewery and vibes will be curated by Polaroid. Stop by to grab all the film you need, see who's around, and hang out for as long as you'd like in BFC's backyard oasis.

\\ Open to the public

1:00 - 3:00 | Photo Walk: Williamsburg and City Views with The Bronx Photo Walk and NYC Instant Photo Walk

\\ Meet at Brooklyn Film Camera at 1:00 sharp!

\\ Shake off your hangover and meet-up with fellow bleary-eyed PolaPals in Brooklyn Film Camera’s backyard oasis before taking off on the walk. Explore Williamsburg’s streets on your way to Domino Park and DUMBO for Manhattan skyline views! The Brooklyn Flea Market will be there to enjoy and some of the most iconic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline are visible from this neighborhood’s vantage point

\\ Open to the public

3:00 - 5:00 | Photo Walk: Onward to Chinatown with The Bronx Photo Walk and NYC Instant Photo Walk

\\ Meet at Jane’s Carousel at 3:00 sharp!

\\ Begin your journey with sweeping views of Manhattan’s skyline from the DUMBO waterfront. We will then walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and make our way to historic Chinatown to capture the hustle and bustle and vibrant colors of the neighborhood. Grab some dumplings and take a cab back to Brooklyn Film Camera when you’re finished! We will have cold beers and fun activities for you there.

\\ Open to the public

7:00 - 8:00 | Mr. Polaroid Screening

\\ Brooklyn Film Camera

\\ A brand new 57-minute documentary from PBS! Join us at Brooklyn Film Camera for an exclusive screening. “Long before the iPhone, another inventive device allowed everyone to instantly chronicle their lives — the Polaroid camera. The product, and the company’s unique culture, would launch not only instant photography mania but also become the model for today’s Silicon Valley tech culture. It all began with the Polaroid Model 95, first offered for sale in the fall of 1948. Its revolutionary power to allow the photographer to see the picture instantly would change the country, then the world. Mr. Polaroid tells the little-known story of the man behind the camera, a Harvard dropout named Edwin Land. Over a half century ago, before the smartphone, Land was dreaming up “a camera that you would use as often as your pencil or your eyeglasses.” He would also come to believe his company was “on its way to lead the world — perhaps even to save it.” Hubris, technology, brilliance, and a billion photographs a year are all part of the rollicking Polaroid story.”

\\ Open to the public

Can't afford a ticket but want to join? We don't want anyone to be unable to attend PolaCon due to lack of funds. There are two ways you can join for free or cheap:

• Volunteer! PolaCon relies on volunteers and for just 3-hours of your time, you can get a full weekend pass. Fill out the form above to volunteer.

• Scholarships Available: Our generous sponsors have made available a limited number of scholoarship tickets to ensure no one has to miss the PolaCon NYC fun due to finances. Just send us an email at "info at instantfilmsociety.org".

Posting social media content from PolaCon? Hashtag it so we can all see! #PolaConNYC

ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS

Instant Film Society (IFS) was founded in 2012 with the mission of increasing awareness, accessibility and understanding of analog instant photography. For over a decade now, IFS has been a community pillar for the instant film community in the US, hosting get-togethers, photo walks, and (of course) PolaCons!

Brooklyn Film Camera (BFC) was founded in 2015 by former employees of The Impossible Project (now Polaroid). BFC is one of just a few remaining institutions to specialize in the restoration of vintage Polaroid cameras. They teach classes and workshops, curate a gallery of film photography that rotates monthly, and design accessories and optics for vintage camera systems.

Thanks to our Polacon NYC Sponsors: Polaroid Brooklyn Brewery Liquid Death

Image by Ben Fraternale