How do I create a transparency with instant photos?
There are endless creative possibilities when it comes to instant photography. Beyond the in-camera decisions you make, there are also ways to transform your instant shots after shooting!
Creating an Instax transparency is a great way to manipulate your prints and make them more unique. It is important to remember that with this technique you need to move quickly. You must start the process before the development process has settled (around one minute), so we recommend that you shoot your picture close to your home, studio or anywhere you have immediate access to the necessary materials.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two trays of hot water – The water should be as warm as possible without burning your skin!
- Gloves – These will protect your hands from the heat of the water and the exposed chemicals released from your instant photo
- Scissors
- A big cotton swab or sponge
- Your instant photograph, of course!
Here’s how to create a transparency:
- Take your instant photo and immediately get to your working station.
- Using the scissors, cut the borders of your film.
- With your gloves on, submerge the photo in the first tray filled with hot water then peel the first plastic layer off. This will release the black chemical.
- Move the instant photo to the second tray of hot water. As gently as you can, rub away the subsequent layers using a big cotton swab to prevent scratches. If you want to boost the experimentation and create textures in your transparent photo, use a sponge or fiber instead.
- Wait for it to dry, and you’re done!
Pictures that have greater contrast work better when it comes to creating transparency. Once you have your uniquely transparent instants, you can further the fun and add color gels behind them for new color backgrounds or layer them with other transparent instants for a manual double exposure! The possibilities truly are endless.
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Should I shake Instant film?
No, you should not shake instant film while it is developing, as this can cause colors within the image to run and the picture to blur.
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How do I clean my instant camera rollers?
Gently wipe the rollers with a soft cloth, tissue paper or cotton swab saturated with alcohol or ionized water. Once done with that area, press the shutter to make the rollers move, then so the same on the newly accessible parts. Repeat the process until there are is no visible dirt or black streaks left.
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How do I creatively alter my instant photos?
Revamp your old instants or experiment with your fresh ones by trying out these five alteration ideas.
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How do I make an instant film emulsion lift?
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What happens if I take out the instax film canister from my camera with film still inside?
Removing the instax film canister from your camera when you still have unexposed film inside will likely result in at least one ruined and unusable instax. Any instax film beneath the first one will probably be fine, although they could also contain light leaks.
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How should I store my instant photos?
When it comes to storing instant photos a lot people simply throw them in an old shoebox or desk drawer. However, if you want to keep your instant photos in good condition for many years to come you can also take some additional measures.
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How can I scan my instant photos?
There are a number of ways to create digital scans from your instant photos. Let’s take a look at the options available.
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What are some features of Lomography Instant cameras?
The Lomography range of instant cameras have a ton of fun features including multiple exposure mode, bulb mode, remote control shutter release, and glass lenses.
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What are the different instant film formats?
All Lomography cameras use Fujifilm Instax film. These come in three different formats – Instax Mini Film, Instax Square Film and Instax Wide Film.