INSTANCES | Instant Film Portrait Activations
Instances is an interactive studio installation designed for galas, festivals, and high-profile institutional gatherings. Operating in real time, the activation pairs large-format analog view cameras, vintage optics, and instant film with high-production studio lighting to deliver immediate, physical portrait keepsakes directly to guests.
By bringing the deliberate pace of analog craftsmanship into dynamic event spaces, Instances creates a focal point of quiet intimacy, participatory engagement, and tangible value for hosts and attendees alike.
FEATURED ACTIVATIONS
Limelight (2026)
RISD Museum · Museum Gala Activation
An interactive portrait installation commissioned by the RISD Museum to engage gala attendees. Operating under continuous studio lighting inside the museum's main gathering space, the activation paired a 4x5 large-format view camera and vintage optics with instant analog film—delivering immediate physical artifacts directly to patrons throughout the evening.
Newport Art Museum — Wet Paint Benefit Festival (2026)
Newport Art Museum Grounds · Benefit Festival Activation
A site-specific mobile studio integrated into the museum’s flagship summer fundraiser. Set up on the lawn under natural open-air light, the activation brought the 4x5 large-format view camera, vintage optics, and instant analog film setup outdoors—photographing artists, collectors, and donors to deliver immediate physical keepsakes that connected attendees to the day's creative and giving spirit.
Square Biz (2026)
Biltmore Park · PVDFest x Folding Chair Commission
An interactive mobile studio deployed into downtown Providence during PVDFest. Commissioned by curator Ricky Orng of Folding Chair in partnership with PVDFest, the installation utilized dual 6x7 medium-format analog cameras with custom instant backs under natural park light—photographing festival-goers, artists, and community members while handing live instant prints directly to participants on-site.
HOW THE INSTANT STUDIO OPERATES
Spatial Footprint: Efficiently scales from a 10x10 ft footprint up to expansive gallery halls, indoor pavilions, and courtyard setups. While capable of operating in compact footprints with standard power access, larger spatial footprints allow for fuller lighting, backdrops, and dramatic guest engagement.
The Ritual: Guests step onto the mark, receive active, relational direction, and experience the tactile mechanics of a view-camera exposure.
Dual Delivery: The physical print is handed directly to the subject on-site. All instant portraits are digitized on-site in high resolution to provide host institutions with full digital event assets.
COMMISSION AN INSTANCES ACTIVATION
Custom configurations available for museum galas, cultural festivals, institutional milestones, and private celebrations.