Film Soup #1
Ever since learning about film soup and using film, fluid, temperature, and time to distress images organically, It has blown my mind. These are my first experimental film images. in Set 1 above is Meadow Brook Park in Howard. I wanted to capture the snowy landscape and the flowing creek that promised that spring would be arriving soon. In the second set is a sunset over downtown green bay, Prominently there are street signs and the capital building illuminated by a warm sunset. The soup collected was from Bay Shore Park in off of Highway 57 in Wisconsin where my sister and I did a freezing lake dip for her 26th birthday - Just moments later we donated one loogy each to the concoction and named it “Spit Michigan.”
These were shot on a Samsung Maxima 70GL from a discounted thrift bin. For pennies, I got a mostly functional camera which immediately inspired the purchase of a Canon Rebel G; a film model compatible with the lenses I already owned. My dream for the use of film this way is very much to capture waterfalls, beaches, and cityscapes while distressing them with fluid from the same area. Considering these images are a test run with the cheapest ingredients I could find I’m in love with the craft and will soon have the chance to develop my own film in a home dark room.
This last set, in black and white, was the hardest to wait for as processing took several weeks, the CD was not sent with my images, and of the 36 frames only 23 made it back to me. A little bit of a heartbreaker, but we’ve made it through. The photos of our dog Gordo are an obvious crowd-pleaser, and I’m happy that the frames that came back were of my kids and that they can cherish being a part of their mom’s experimental art as well. These were part of the same “Spit-Michigan” soup and the distressing manifested in these little waves which I like.
Ready to discover the exciting world
of film-soup for yourself?
Take your photography to new heights of experimentation and creativity. Film photography has captivated many photographers even in the digital age, but if you're looking to push the boundaries further, the film-soup method is a gateway to endless possibilities. Here are some tips to kickstart your film-soup adventure and embrace the unexpected:
1. Embrace Imperfection: Understand that not all photos will turn out as you envision when experimenting with film-soup. Let go of control and embrace the unpredictable nature of the process. Choose exposed rolls of film that you're willing to distress and be ready to let go of the perfectionist within. Film-soup experiments can yield unpredictable results, so it's advisable to use expendable film for your most cherished moments.
2. Use Any Film Type: You can employ any film camera or even disposable cameras for your film-soup experiments. Dive into your collection and make use of what you have. Remember to properly rewind your film into its canister, and remove it from the plastic body if you are using a disposable camera.
3. Ready to Soup: Once your film is fully exposed and properly rewound, it's time to soup it! Submerge your film or keep it in contact with your chosen liquid for an extended period, ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours. Consider the viscosity of the liquid, ensuring it reaches inside the canister while still drying out over time without much airflow. Options like lemon juice, wine, coffee, and soap are a fun place to start and can be added to a base of water or for more dramatic results used on their own.
4. Get Creative with Ingredients: The fun doesn't stop at liquids! Explore adding particulates and other "ingredients" to your film-soup. A raw potato chunk can introduce starches, while crushed berries can create acidic effects. Remember to keep the liquid loose and never consume the film-soup. Trust us, it's not for drinking!
5. Dry and Develop: After soaking your film, allow it to dry completely before sending it for film developing. While Walgreens is a reliable option, consider boutique or professional photo labs that treat your art with the respect it deserves. Seek out a developer that aligns with your creative vision.
Embark on this journey of film-soup and unlock a world of artistic possibilities. Let your creativity run wild and capture unique, one-of-a-kind images that reflect your distressed and imperfect style. Get ready to surprise yourself with the magic that unfolds in every frame.
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