Instant film photography has existed as a medium for over 80 years and is as revered today as it was upon its inception. Edwin Land founded Polaroid in 1937, originally creating ski goggles and 3D glasses for the United States military.  A simple question from his daughter about why she couldn’t see a photograph of herself immediately sparked an idea within Land. In 1947, Polaroid released the first instant camera, and changed film photography as we know it with the release of the Polaroid SX-70 camera in 1972.

Polaroid was an essential tool and inspiration for numerous artists such as Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Keith Haring. These artists took Polaroid and instant film to new heights, cementing its cultural impact throughout the 1970s and well into the new millennium. In the words of Edwin Land, “An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail.” The rise of digital photography may have weakened Polaroid’s grip on the industry, but not on the hearts and minds of the photographic community.

Instant film continues to provide tangible evidence of fleeting moments, creating time capsules for our most treasured memories. It combines artistry and chemistry, to produce striking imagery that develops right in front of our eyes. Even though we know how the trick is done, we’re still delighted by its magic.

The photographers we’ve selected showcase the full spectrum of possibilities that instant film provides. While some have advanced degrees in photography or decades of experience in the field, others have only recently discovered (or rediscovered) the wonders of instant film. Their work ranges from traditional portraits and landscapes to experimental techniques and alternative processes. These trailblazing artists are continuing a long history of innovation and creativity that is synonymous with instant film.

The Instant Film Society would not exist without a deep-rooted love and reverence for instant film, but more importantly, it would not exist without the instant film community. Our goal is to continue to highlight not just the 20 photographers we’ve selected, but the instant film community as a whole. Whether you’ve attended PolaCon in person, or follow us online, the Instant Film Society is open to all instant film enthusiasts across the globe. And with that, please enjoy our list of 20 Instant Film Photographers You Need To Know In 2024.

-John Munoz of Instant Film Society