Your Ultimate Guide to NYC's Recurring & Annual Photo Events
Updated as of: 6.21.2025
Visiting NY and looking for some photo things? I aggregate them for you here, but here’s some good ones to keep in mind - both recurring events you can rely on and annual events you’ll want to mark on your calendar.
🔁 Recurring Photography Events in NYC/Metro Area
Sometimes, you don’t need a huge expo—just good light, good company, and a space to shoot. These recurring events happen weekly or monthly, offering everything from critique circles to content creation days.
Cameras & Coffee: Cameras and coffee meet-up with a photo walk, hosted by TOAP and ICP@icp
Camera of the Month CritiqueMonthly print-based photo critique sessions for members. Great for honest, tactile feedback.Camera of the Month Club@cameraofthemonthclub
Shibari NightsCreative ropework sessions—no flash photography, intimate and mood-heavy setups.Instagram Post
New Heat Studios: Content Day Every Sunday, creators gather for open content creation sessions—photos, videos, BTS and more. Instgram: @nhstudios.bk
Filmmaker FridayMonthly meet-ups for filmmakers and video creatives to build community.@filmmakerfridaynyc
🗓️ Annual Photography Events You Don’t Want to Miss
These only come around once a year—but when they do, it’s worth showing up. From expos to festivals, these are the events that mix education, connection, and sometimes killer gear deals.
PolaCon NYC: Hosted by the Instant Film Society, this is instant photography heaven. Photowalks, demos, and analog love.
🗓️ Late May | 📍 Brooklyn | 💸 Free
BILD Expo by B&H: The biggest NYC photo/video trade show. 250+ exhibitors, 100+ speakers, real-time demos, and discounts galore.
🗓️ Summer | 📍 Javits Center, NYC | 💸 Free
CineGear NY – Photo Focus: A crossover event between photo and cinema worlds. Lighting demos, tech talks, and access to high-end gear
🗓️ March | 📍 Industry City, Brooklyn | 💸 Varies
Unique Photo Expo + Classes: While based in NJ, they frequently host trade-ins, vendor days, and themed photography weekends just outside the city.
🗓️ Spring | 📍 Fairfield, NJ | 💸 Mix of free + paid options
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