15 Minutes of Fame: Polaroid Portraits with Miles Aldridge in Venice
15 Minutes of Fame: Polaroid Portraits with Miles Aldridge in Venice
Exclusively at SMAC Venice (6th - 9th May) — with support from Alessi, Lyndsey Ingram and media partner NOWNESS.
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Widely recognised for his distinctive approach to Polaroid photography, as celebrated in his acclaimed series of books Please return Polaroid, British artist Miles Aldridge is offering a limited number of exclusive portrait sessions at SMAC Venice (San Marco Art Centre), to coincide with the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.
How It Works
Each intimate session lasts 20 minutes: 15 minutes shooting in front of Miles' iconic orange curtain, followed by 5 minutes waiting while your Polaroids develop.
The Experience
In this rare opportunity, you'll be photographed surrounded by props from Miles' signature universe: classic movie popcorn, feather boas, retro telephones, and oversized glasses in all the colours of the rainbow. You're encouraged to bring personal items and wear something bold!
Miles will personally select and sign his favourite Polaroids from your session, creating memories to treasure forever.
Exclusive to SMAC Venice
These portrait sessions are available only at SMAC Venice — a unique chance to be photographed by Miles Aldridge and acquire signed original works from an internationally acclaimed artist.
If you have further questions about the Polaroid Portrait session, please send an email to studio@milesaldridge.com and we'd be more than happy to help.
Sir Elton John by Miles Aldridge for TIME Magazine Icon of the Year, 2024
15 Minutes of Fame is my ongoing series of Polaroid portraits, a democratic mix of public figures and ‘complete unknowns’.
Each sitter steps into my studio, where they’re photographed against a pleated orange backdrop, under theatrical lighting, with a curated selection of props from my universe: telephones, popcorn, cocktail glasses...
The idea came after I photographed Elton John for TIME’s Icon of the Year cover. That shoot, staged like a set of photobooth snapshots, got me thinking: what happens when anyone, not just a celebrity, is given their moment in the spotlight? The result is a pop-tinged homage to August Sander and Andy Warhol, filtered through my own hyper-stylised, cinematic lens.
Over the course of fifteen minutes, I work spontaneously with each sitter to create a fictional version of themselves. There’s a wonderful alchemy in that brief performance, where myth and truth blur.
I shoot the portraits on Polaroid because it’s immediate, with just the right amount of irreverence — perfect for capturing flashes of humour, vanity, drama, and surprise.
Each portrait is a unique, unrepeatable record of the sitter’s 15 minutes in front of my camera.
At its core, 15 Minutes of Fame is about how people want to be seen, and who they become when they’re given permission. More often than not, the version they leave with is closer to the truth than the one they arrived with.
– Miles Aldridge
Polaroid Portrait FAQs
Where is the Portrait Session held?
Portrait Sessions will be held at San Marco Arts. Centre, P.za San Marco, 105, 30124 Venezia, Italy
How much is the Polaroid Portrait session?
Each Polaroid Portrait session is 500€
How do I schedule my portrait?
Please use the button above to select a time and date.
If your preferred time/date isn't available, please email studio@milesaldridge.com and we will do our best to accommodate.
How long is each Portrait Session?
The Portrait session takes 15 minutes to shoot, then another 5 minutes to develop.
How many people can be in my Polaroid Portrait?
The sessions are available for individuals or groups of 2-4 (a couple or group of friends/family).
Is the building wheelchair accessible?
Yes it is wheelchair accessible.
Will there be props & what to wear?
A selection of Miles’ iconic props will be available to use, such as skulls, coloured telephones, cocktails, and popcorn.
You are also welcome to bring personal items to be photographed with.
Wear something fun! Miles' work is known for its vibrant, saturated aesthetic.
Can I bring my children or my pet?
Yes! The Polaroid Portraits are fun for all the family – even your littlest or fluffiest ones.
How many Polaroids will I receive?
Miles will sign his favourite selection of your Polaroids, which are yours to keep! This is typically between 3-9 Polaroids.
Do I need to book a time slot in advance?
Yes, Polaroid Portrait sessions require advance booking. Please select your preferred time slot when purchasing.
Not in Venice but want a Polaroid?
Polaroid Portrait sessions can be privately booked with Miles in his London studio, or a location of your choosing.
For more information, please reach out to us via email: studio@milesaldridge.com
With support from
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San Marco Art Centre
SMAC Venice, opened in Piazza San Marco in May 2025, presents each year a dynamic programme of exhibitions across art, design, fashion, and film, addressing both specialists and the wider public. Across its 16 galleries, it explores unexpected perspectives, challenges conventions, and examines contemporary visual culture in relation to history, science, philosophy, and society.
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Alessi
Founded in Omegna, Piedmont, in 1921 by Giovanni Alessi, following the local tradition of cold metalworking, the company has developed a policy of excellence that has made it a leading exponent of Italian Design Factories. Over the years, Alessi has collaborated with over three hundred world-renowned designers and architects, producing thousands of objects, many of which have become icons of contemporary design. Being an emblem of ideational and industrial excellence Alessi has managed to combine the typical industrial needs of the sector with its soul as a “research laboratory on Applied Arts”, open to the development of new creative and cultural horizons. Since 2020, it has become a Benefit Corporation, identifying itself among companies that, in addition to profit, pursue one or more statutory purposes of common good, in a responsible, sustainable, and transparent manner. With this transformation, Alessi has completed a development process that has earned it B Corp certification since 2017, becoming the first design factory in Italy to achieve this recognition.
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Lyndsey Ingram
Founded in 2016, Lyndsey Ingram is located in a converted Victorian stable at 16 and 20 Bourdon Street in London’s Mayfair. With over twenty years of expertise in post-war and contemporary prints and work on paper - in particular 20th century British and American masters - the gallery continues to look forward and now represents artists working in all mediums, with a programme that includes painting, photography and sculpture.
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NOWNESS
NOWNESS is a global video channel screening the best in culture. A movement for creative excellence in storytelling, for fifteen years NOWNESS’ unique programming strategy has established it as the go to source of inspiration and influence across art, design, fashion, beauty, music, food, and travel.
