Patrick Schopp's Visual Explosion with Film Soups

Leipzig-based photographer Patrick Schopp loves to push the boundaries of analogue photography. With an eye for imperfection and a preference for experimental techniques such as film soups and pre-exposed films, he lets his pictures shine in vibrant colours and intense moods. In our interview he talks about his experiences, his creative approach and gives some useful tips to other aspiring analogue experimenters.

Hello Patrick! Welcome to our Magazine. What should the community know about you and your work?

I am 33 years old and currently living in Leipzig. I have been passionate about photography for about five years. It’s important to me to feel a lot of joy both while taking photos and throughout the entire creative process. I draw inspiration from parties and excessive experiences.

How did you get into photography and analogue photography in particular?

My girlfriend back then wanted me to take photos of her for social media. Over time, I got myself more equipment and other people got involved. In the beginning, I tried to make my digital images look like they were taken with analogue cameras. From there, it was just a small step to real analogue photography. Anyone who has ever shot with film knows the exciting anticipation of finally holding the developed pictures in their hands. Moreover, you develop a deeper connection with the images. Photography is my hobby, and I just want to have as much fun as possible, which I achieve with analogue photography.

How would you describe your photography style?

I'm not interested in perfection or high-gloss aesthetics, but in consciously playing with imperfection and crossing boundaries. I focus more on feeling than on technique.

I asked ChatGPT and its response was: A visual explosion full of intensity and provocation. I guess I can agree with that in a certain way.

You have already photographed frequently with our LomoChrome films, especially with the LomoChrome Purple and LomoChromeTurquoise. What is your experience with these films?

Over time, realistic photography lost some of its appeal for me, and I started to experiment more. At first, I worked with different filters and films, until I eventually discovered the world of Lomography – a bit late, but with even greater excitement. I got several cameras, like the Lomo LC-Wide, the Fisheye No. 2 and the LomoKino, and tried out various films like LomoChrome Purple and LomoChromeTurquoise. These films gave me exactly what I was looking for: colors that break free from reality. What I love most is how the colors change so dramatically with different ISO settings – it’s like you can control the mood of each shot with a simple dial.

You primarily focus on photographing people and portraits. What fascinates you the most about that?

I love cherishing the results together, enjoying the moment, and diving into the creative energy that only exists within that shared experience.

You experiment a lot with film soups. Can you share your experience with this technique?

I wanted to try something new and push my boundaries within analogue photography. So I started soaking films in different liquids like teas or lemon water. Unfortunately, I often didn’t achieve the results I was hoping for. To expand my knowledge and save time and money, I got the Filmsoup Guide from Lomographer @Hanalogital, which provides an excellent guide for beginners in film soup.

You also mentioned that you are currently experimenting with pre-exposed films. What are your experiences so far?

Pre-exposing film is like experimenting with film soups - there are no limits to your creativity. I tend to use and recommend light-sensitive films (ISO 400 - ISO 800) to achieve a perfect balance between the effect and the result.

Do you have any exciting projects or experiments planned for the future?

I'll probably experiment a bit with film soups in combination with the LomoChrome films.

Do you have any tips for our community members who want to start with experimental photography, especially when it comes to film soups and pre-exposed films?

Start with cheap films and note how long you soak them in different liquids. And most importantly, make sure to give the roll at least two weeks to fully dry after souping.

When it comes to pre-exposing, it’s a good idea to keep track of the aperture and shutter speed. It can also be fun to try different settings for each shot and see what kind of unexpected results you get.

Have fun while taking photos and experimenting – that is the most important tip!

Thank you to Patrick for sharing his amazing photos with us! Check out his Instagram to see more of him and his work.

If you want to learn more about film soups or start experimenting with them, check out our Lomo School – you’ll find plenty of tips and tricks on this exciting topic!

written by dominik_rinortner on 2025-01-08 #gear #people #experimental #film-soup #lomochrome-purple #lomochrome-turquoise