Every year, we bring attention to some the events and features that focus around the art, profession and expression of film photography. And within that broad and beautiful practice lies a more specific medium, instant film. While Flickr is a digital platform, all forms of analog photography are shared, appreciated and celebrated here. That’s why we chatted with a community that truly lives and breaths instant film. Meet the Instant Film Society! Get to know their community and the exciting things they’re doing to keep the world of instant film connected and thriving.
Flickr: Can you tell us about Instant Film Society? What are your organization’s mission and goals?
Instant Film Society: Instant Film Society was formed in 2012 by Daniel Rodrigue and Justin Goode in Denton, TX, to increase awareness and understanding of instant film photography. At the time, Polaroid film had just shut down and the future was bleak, but film could still be found and the fledgling fan base was still looking for community. Daniel and Justin started organizing photo walks, or “polawalks”, around the Dallas/Fort Worth region, and soon they were attracting folks from all over the country.
Flickr: What kind of services do you offer your members?
IFS: We’re a 501(c)(3) non-profit, so everything we do is to serve the instant film community. We offer educational workshops to the community and organize regular photo walks and other gatherings to give other likeminded people a group to share their love of instant photography. For the past 10 years, we’ve also hosted the 3-day PolaCon conference in Denton/Dallas, TX each September, which has grown to include events in San Francisco in March and Brooklyn, NY in May.
Flickr: Among the different programs you run, which one stands out as the most successful? What factors do you believe have contributed to its success?
IFS: By far, our most successful event, not a program really, are the three annual PolaCon conferences. Each event draws hundreds of photographers from all over the world for three days of walks, workshops, product demos, and community. We’ve had attendees come as far as England, Germany, and Argentina! I think one thing that makes it so successful is the scope and the chance to meet other photographers from other places. Many communities have photography groups or organize walks, which is so important. But PolaCon has emerged as an opportunity to meet artists from other places IRL instead of only communicating on Instagram, or elsewhere online.
Flickr: Can you share an example of how your organization has made a difference in someone’s life or the community?
IFS: Each year at PolaCon, we hear attendees say they’ve finally found a place where they truly belong. Many look forward to reconnecting with their PolaCon friends all year long — and even joke about experiencing “post-PolaCon depression” when the event ends.
By intentionally creating an environment where like-minded people can gather to share ideas, inspire one another, and create together, we’ve helped build genuine community. That sense of belonging has sparked photo walks and instant film groups in cities across the U.S., extending the impact far beyond the event itself. We’ve also watched complete beginners attend PolaCon having never shot instant film before — only to return the following year with their own instant camera in hand. Seeing people discover a new creative outlet, gain confidence, and find their community is the difference we’re most proud of.
Flickr: How are IFS members utilizing Flickr’s site & features?
IFS: Flickr provides an uncluttered experience for IFS members to gather online where we can just focus on sharing and enjoying each others’ work and not working about what the algorithm wants us to see, or without having to navigate through irrelevant and annoying video content. We can use message features to ask questions and learn from one another, and just appreciate each others’ work. It helps foster our wider community in-between PolaCons. I hope that doesn’t sound like a promo, but many of our community members – especially our younger ones – want an alternative to the big corporate apps, and Flickr has emerged as a perfect alternative.
Flickr: Is there anything that you wish more people knew about IFS?
IFS: We’re a 501(c)(3) non-profit, so everything we do is for the community, and goes back to the community. We’re also an all-volunteer organization. Everything we do is for the love of instant film.
Flickr: What are some ways people can get involved and support the efforts of your organization?
IFS: Yes, first you can attend PolaCon! PolaCon Bay Area is March 12-15, 2026, and PolaCon NYC take place May 29-31, 2026. The original PolaCon will take place this Fall in Denton and Dallas, TX. You can stay up to date by visiting our website, or following our Instagram accounts. You can also sign up on our email list on our website, and even make a donation there if you’d like.
Flickr: What are you most excited about for IFS in the next year?
IFS: We keep growing! Our board just expanded to include a East Coast Director and West Coast Director, so we’re off to a very encouraging start with two new members. Meanwhile, we have lots of conversations going for new events and ideas, but we can’t talk about those yet.
Thanks to the Instant Film Society for being part of the Flickr community! If you’re a long time fan of instant film or just checking it out for the first time, visit Instant Film Society’s Flickr group to meet other instant film fans. And if you haven’t heard about ‘RoidWeek, then we have another instant film focused event to share while you are setting up your calendars for Polacons and photography walks with friends. Headed this way in April is the spring edition of Polaroid Week aka ‘RoidWeek, so give the group a join and continue your journey on capturing those instant film classics!
photo credit: AndyOdom, Alexas, Laurent Été, Steve Rainwater
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