photojojo:

Phillip Stearns electrocutes unexposed instant film with 15,000 volts.

He also pours various household chemicals (like bleach) onto the prints to make the colors and corrosion you see. The process is about as beautiful as the end result. You can watch how it’s done here.

We asked Phillip a few questions about his process:

What inspired you to apply electricity to film as opposed to just chemicals? 

My explorations were guided most by what materials I had available. A big batch of this instant color film was being thrown out, presumably by a photographer in my building transitioning out of analog film. Two years ago, I received a batch of neon tubes and high voltage ballasts to drive them. After tinkering with interrupting the process of developing the film (after exposing to light) and discovering the painterly qualities such physical manipulations produced, I started to think about how else I work with the film.

Through experimenting with digital cameras a couple of years prior to these experiments in film, I became aware of Hiroshi Suigimoto’s work of subjecting photopaper to electric discharges and thought that I could try something similar with the neon ballasts and the color film itself.

How did you go about making sure your process was actually safe to do?

I caution, again, this is not safe. No one should try this on their own, unless assisted by a qualified electrician trained in dealing with high voltages, and a physician. Death by electrocution is quite real.

Any other tips or comments you have for photographers who want to explore analog or digital experiments?

Look at what you have around you.  Use it differently.  Look for potentials that exist just beyond, hidden within the normally prescribed perception of things.  Play, but be smart about it.  Be safe.

Film Electrocuted with 15,000 Volts of Electricity

A lumen print.

Modal silk scarf with flowers.

(Source: asilentspeaker)

vcuphotofilm:

‘nuff said.

I can’t express how excited I am. 

Mostly for Lauren and Kate. I BETTER FINISH MY EXAM IN TIME TO SEE THEM, OR I WILL BE IN SO MANY TEARS.

nubesque:

“Do not fall in love with people like me
we will take you to
museums and parks
and monuments
and kiss you in every beautiful
place so that you can
never go back to them
without tasting us
like blood in your mouth”

(via moonii)

100 Things I Have Learned About Photography

factyou:

by Eric Kim

1. Just because someone has an expensive camera doesn’t mean that they’re a good photographer.

2. Always shoot in RAW. Always.

3. Prime lenses help you learn to be a better photographer.

4. Photo editing is an art in itself

5. The rule of thirds works 99% of the time.

6. Macro photography isn’t for everybody.

7. UV filters work just as well as lens caps.

8. Go outside and shoot photos rather than spending hours a day on photography forums.

9. Capture the beauty in the mundane and you have a winning photograph.

10. Film isn’t better than digital.

Read More

(Source: factyou, via moonii)

darksilenceinsuburbia:

James Lahey. Peony 2139. Ultra chrome HDR Pigment Print on 500 gsm cotton paper, 20 x 24”. Edition of 15.

(via sarahtotsy)

likeafieldmouse:

Tom Friedman - Untitled (1990)

“The artist writes his signature repeatedly for the life of a pen.”

(via moonii)

graphikamemex:

Marias by Michael Freimuth

Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar has been operating in Bridgeport since 1986 as a classic slashy—half liquor store, half neighborhood tavern. Formerly known as Kaplan’s Liquors in homage to the original owners who founded it in 1939, the bar has long been called by its owner’s name, Mrs. Maria Marszewski. Besides a comprehensive identity for the bar that includes an exhaustive craft beer menu, a set of packaging and beer labels was created as Maria’s begins production on their very own neighboring brewery.

(via moonii)

Working with location lighting like a boss.

vcuphotofilm:

Tim Heatherington, “Sleeping Soldiers.”