Portrait of creator, artist, and (soon-to-be) astronaut Rhiannon Adam at PolaCon NYC 2024.

I’ve followed Rhiannon’s powerful, insightful, evocative, and thought-provoking work for a few years, and in late 2023, had the honor and pleasure of convincing her to join the Facebook group I started, called Instant Photography: Gods, Mods & Bods. How? I made a rabid fan post to the group about Rhiannon’s epic Polaroid “emulsion lift” collage-creations, and reached out to her… To my surprise and delight, she accepted my invite!

This year at PolaCon NYC, I was delighted when Rhiannon took the stage to talk about her life experiences, creative work, and extraordinary plans for the future. Shortly after, I saw her in animated discussion with author Christopher Bonanos and joined the conversation. We were soon joined by Jeremiah Òjó who was particularly interested in Rhiannon’s emulsion lift tips, tricks, and creative process. It was a great conversation in a wonderful day!

After the discussion, I asked Rhiannon for a quick Polaroid portrait. Ever the art director, she suggested a pose in front of the vintage Airstream trailer in the studio, and I suggested the pose with fists up to show the many silver rings on her fingers.

Subject: Rhiannon Adam / @rhiannon_adam
Location: Worthless Studios, Bushwick, Brooklyn
Direction: Rhiannon Adam (suggested the pose in front of the
Camera: Polaroid SLR 680SE (vintage)
Film: Polaroid 600 Color (New, expired 2022)
Photographer: Russ Murray

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The second PolaCon NYC 2024 event, sponsored by Polaroid, was held from May 17th — 19th, primarily at Worthless Studios in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. I went on Saturday the 18th and had a great time learning, playing with gear, meeting old friends, making new ones, and shooting a bunch of instant photos!

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// russ murray