The annual instant film photography conference PolaCon NYC will return to Brooklyn for its third year from May 30 to June 1, moving to a spacious fifth-floor venue in Bushwick with sweeping skyline views.
Organized by Instant Film Society and Brooklyn Film Camera, with Polaroid returning as headlining sponsor, the 2025 event continues the expansion of what began as a Texas-based gathering of instant photography enthusiasts. The conference has outgrown its previous Brooklyn locations after selling out in both 2023 and 2024.
“While the core of PolaCon remains educational, the heart of PolaCon is in the community that it draws together,” organizers wrote in the announcement. “Every year, hundreds of us whose hearts flutter for instant-photography are pulled together like a vortex by the PolaCon call.”
The 2025 conference will be headquartered at 53 Scott, a fifth-floor event space in Bushwick featuring a large outdoor balcony with views of both Brooklyn and Manhattan. Additional programming will take place at Brooklyn Film Camera’s permanent location at 855 Grand Street in East Williamsburg.
Ticket sales opened on March 17th with a cap of 300 total attendees. Standard three-day passes are available for $89 including fees, while a premium “Land Level” tier costs $145. In a distinctive offering, the organizers created a single “Wine & Dine With Ben Fraternale” ticket priced at $1,068.91, which includes dinner with the Instagram photographer and influencer alongside event access.
For those unable to afford the ticket prices, organizers have established two accessibility options: a volunteer program that exchanges three hours of event assistance for a full weekend pass, and a “pay what you can” system available by directly emailing the Instant Film Society.
PolaCon’s programming historically includes hands-on workshops covering various instant film techniques, guided photo walks through Brooklyn neighborhoods, panel discussions on the state of analog photography, and evening social events. The multi-day gathering has drawn participants from across the world since its New York debut.
The conference name, while originally shorthand for “Polaroid Conference,” has evolved as the event expanded beyond that specific brand of instant film. Organizers describe it as “a pilgrimage for those who cherish the tangible magic of instant film.”
For those planning to attend, organizers recommend securing accommodations near the venue or along the L train line, which provides direct access to the Bushwick location.
Applications remain open for photographers and artists interested in leading workshops, presenting work, vending, or volunteering during the three-day event. Previous PolaCon NYC events have featured a mix of established instant film photographers and emerging artists.
The 2024 event, which featured photographer Kerrenton Snow among its presenters, took place at Worthless Studios in addition to Brooklyn Film Camera’s space. With the move to 53 Scott, this year’s event appears positioned to accommodate larger attendance and more expansive programming.
The announcement comes as film photography continues experiencing a renaissance in Brooklyn, with multiple specialty stores, darkrooms, and camera repair shops operating throughout Bushwick and Williamsburg, alongside regular analog photography meetups and exhibitions.
Full programming details for PolaCon NYC 2025 are expected to be announced in the coming weeks through the organizers’ social media accounts and website.
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