January 3rd, 2008 Colorful Thursdays: Polaroid Transfers
Both Jen Smoose and I took a fine arts class in college where we learned how to do Polaroid transfers. This is a technique that’s rarely used anymore but creates some of the most unique textures and colors, which can add a whole new spin to a photograph.
To create a transfer, you need slide film and Polaroid 669 film, as well as a Daylab and some tools. You expose the Polaroid film with the slide and then tear off the front of the Polaroid as it’s developing. By rolling it onto a sheet of paper that’s been soaking in gelatin, the developing ink will transfer to the paper and dry there.
We used a photo that Brad took at a zoo a long time ago (we were digging through our storage unit and came across some old slide film!). Here is what the Polaroid looks like when left intact to develop:
Here is one-half of the Polaroid when it’s ripped apart (this is the part that gets thrown away):
And here is the Polaroid transfer:
Beautiful, huh? This can be a really cool technique to use on many different kinds of photos. I’ll post some wedding Polaroid transfers soon.
on January 3rd, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I just love doing Polaroid transfers! You might want to add that Polaroid transfers look best if the original slide has very contrast-y colors (I remember that point, since Leena said it to me after I made an unsuccessful transfer with a slide that didn’t have contrast-y colors). But I love the look of the peacock.
There was a girl in my class who did Polaroid transfers for her final project, and she did it into rice paper (instead of the watercolor paper that we used originally), and they were exquisite - very delicate and absolutely lovely.
on January 8th, 2008 at 3:00 am
What a cool process. I love the final product and think this is an awesome idea you guys are incorporating!
The peacock picture is really fun too :)