Creative Film Photography Techniques
Film is my preferred medium for photography. The magic of the unknown, and tangibility of film keep me coming back to the timeless format. Given the way film captures light on a physical piece of plastic, there’s many ways to creatively experiment and manipulate the photographs (both during and after exposure). Doing so is always a bit uncertain (and a little scary), but it’s in the uncertainty that magic happens!
I do several of these techniques for personal work, and occassionally incorporate them into sessions as well! It adds a creative twist to my photographs. Here’s a few of my favorite creative film techniques and how I weave them into photography sessions.
Souping film for colorful film photos
Film soup is a technique where film rolls are soaked in hot water and different ingredients before being developed. The process alters the film’s emulsion, resulting in vibrant, abstract patterns and color shifts. My go-to resource for film soup is Amy Elizabeth. The process is total experiment, and feels like concocting potions in your kitchen. I use everyday ingredients, and some flowers from the garden to try new recipes. Common ingredients for a film soup include lemon juice, vinegar, coffee, or even household cleaning products. Each liquid interacts differently with the film, creating unique and often unpredictable results. And, different film types (or stocks) also interact with the chemicals differently. I’ve found the effects on Portra 400 to be more subtle and pastel for example, compared to stronger more vibrant alterations with Kodak Gold.
To try film soup, follow these steps:
Shoot your film: I have a dedicated camera for film soup - a point and shoot I can take my time with going through. I sometimes snap a few pictures during sessions and out with friends for later souping. The process is slow, but when souping film I’m often in no hurry to get back the photographs (plus they’re often worth the wait).
Soup your film: Decide on the liquid or combination of liquids you want to use. You can start with something mild like flowers from the garden (I use dried marigolds), or Dawn dishsoap. Soup the film with hot (boiled) water and your ingredients. I recommend checking out the resources on Film Lab 135 for recipes and ideas.
Dry and Develop: Allow the film to dry thoroughly before sending it to a lab for development or developing it yourself. I give my film 2 weeks on a sunny windowsill. IMPORTANT: A lot of film labs do not accept souped film as it can ruin a whole batch of their developing chemicals. Check with your lab first, and find a dedicated lab for film soup. I send mine to Film Lab 135, and the FindLab is another option.
Film soup can add a touch of surrealism to family portraits, making them look like they were plucked from a dream or an abstract painting. I’ve souped film from family sessions, portraits, and even weddings.
Double exposures for magical moments
Double exposure involves exposing the same frame of film twice (or more), resulting in a layered image - you never really know what you’re going to get with this one. This technique is particularly effective in storytelling, as it allows you to combine two different scenes or subjects into one cohesive image. I’ve used double exposure to express a feeling in family photographs, as well as in self portraiture.
I’ve also experimented with blind double exposure. This is where you go through a roll of film, taking photographs of flowers, signs, nature, faces - anything really! And then you load the same roll of film into the camera and expose those same photos again. This creates double exposures that are complete mysteries!
Every camera works a little differently, so check out the user guide for multiple exposures. You can play with 2, 3, 4, or more exposures in a single frame.
Light leaks!!
Light leaks occur when there is a gap or crack in the camera or film roll, allowing light to seep in and partially expose the film. These leaks often create streaks of color and light across the image, adding a sense of spontaneity and vintage charm.
I intentionally create light leaks at the end of roll by slightly opening the back of my camera - it often only affects the last couple of frames. It’s quite honestly a bit of a risk, but almost always worth it! Light leaks can enhance the warmth and nostalgia of family photos, giving them a timeless feel.
Creative family photography
When it comes to family photography, incorporating creative film techniques can make the session even more memorable. I find these techniques elevate my storytelling, while adding a bit of magic and artistry to the images.
If you’re interested a family photography session that involves creating art from your everyday life with film, get in touch to book a session!