There’s just something so beautiful about opening a refrigerator and seeing the shelves nearly empty and the door compartments jammed with film.
my name is Kate. I am Niagara born-and-raised and a Brock University alumna (English and Professional Writing). My 9-5 is as a procedure writer (zzzzzz) and I started Instant Niagara after my therapist suggested for the 200th time that I take up a creative project…specifically one where I wouldn’t force rigidity and structure on myself or start hating myself if because I was unable to achieve ‘perfection’. The project officially began when I learned that Polaroid was making film that was compatible in some of their older cameras. And I just happened to have a very old Sun 600 on my shelf as a decor piece.
I loved how in 2018 I could use a camera from 1981 and the photos that came out looked like they were taken in the 1960s.
A spark turned into a fire and I started buying more cameras and exploring the Region. I made this instagram page and almost immediately was met with followers, and they were asking to buy my art.
I made the decision to keep my prices vintage and sell all photos for $5 each. I also wanted to use the project to emphasize how much we all need to #supportyourlocalartist
In the summer I met Cozy Bones and was immediately welcomed into a family of local makers and their Fine Grind Cafe market series and then I met Gale’s Vintage Clothing Collection and got to be a vendor at my first Warehouse Flea!
My follower count started to climb and I got to hear so many great stories about why the places in my photos were special to other people. …ok so some of the stories I am told are TMI (I don’t need to know where you lost your virginity, person I literally just met) but most of the stories are funny and/or incredibly sweet and my enjoyment started to shift from ‘nailing the shot’ to enjoying exploring, to seeing the joy and nostalgia the project brings out in people.
I love custom orders where I get to hear about your first apartment or where you got engaged. I love learning about the local landmark your grandfather helped build.
There we go! We now have met. Thanks for sharing your nostalgia with me.
Want to chat about the Project? Send a message to hello@instantniagara.com