Manic Exposure In The Cemetery And Other Spectral Deceptions

With October just around the corner I wanted to share some of my favorite techniques and places to capture moody, creepy, and down right spooky instant photos. Grab Your favorite film from Photodom, and any instant camera capable of taking multiple exposures. I’ll leave a list of Cameras at the end that I found to be up for the task. Without further gibber jab, let’s get right into it.

Chasing Ghosts.

I already mentioned above you are going to need a camera capable of shooting multiple exposures. The trick to getting the best shots really comes down to not overexposing the film. I have found that early morning and just before sunset provides that sweet soft light perfect for multiple exposures. (duh)

1. TURN OFF THE FLASH. Exposing the film more than once always introduces the possibility of over exposure. Turning off the flash reduces these chances.
2. FIND A CEMETERY. Maybe one you walk by everyday, stop in.
3. BE RESPECTFUL. this goes without saying.
4. FIND A LARGE GROUPING OF HEADSTONES AND LINE UP YOUR FIRST SHOT. Fitting more into the frame ensures a good clear image and makes the second shot more effective.
5. CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE. Frame up a group of two or three headstones. Get up close and frame them off to one side. Get creative here. Remember how the first shot will lay out on the film. Place your second subject wherever you think it will be most effective in the frame.
6. SHOOT THE PACK. Try playing with exposure times, turn the flash on, adjust the aperture if your camera allows it. Shooting the whole pack of film insures you are learning how the film works and reacts to your camera and the environment. This film is pricey, so gain the experience. Learn what works so you can replicate it in the future. LESS WASTED SHOTS = MORE MONEY FOR WEED. A final note on film. Want the price to go down? Buy that shit. Want it to stay Available? buy that shit. More importantly, buy it locally, and keep it in the fridge. Okay, Off the soap box.
7. PRO TIPS, have someone peak out from behind a headstone on the first exposure, be careful not to overexpose the film, outdoors it’s best to stick with two exposures.
8. TRY SHOOTING BLACK AND WHITE.

SPECTERS AND CREATURES

The Process here is pretty similar to the instructions above. The biggest difference is the ability to expose more images to the film by controlling the input of light. For these shots you will want to be indoors. Preferably somewhere with natural light coming from a window and covered with piece of fabric. This can be done outside as well, but you always run the risk of over exposure. Fuck it, give it a go!

1. SOME LIGHT. We want some light but how much? Enough that you can clearly see what you are shooting. and not much more. cheap shear black curtains, or and old prom dress should do the trick. If a window is not available for the shot you want, use soft light and dramatic shadows. (light from the side, not head on.)
2. BACKGROUND. Choose a dark non reflective background. Get creative here, find textures, find a basement, or an attic. Remember we are creating imaginary scenes with real people so think about how you want the final frame to look. Bricks works nice. They are dark and photograph interestingly.
3. SUBJECT. Have your model, or yourself, stand about a foot away from the wall you have chosen as your back drop. Line up your first shot with your subject in the middle of the frame or off to either side. This will help you remember where you have space left on the film to expose more images.
4. MOVE YOUR SUBJECT. Carefully move them with each exposure, making sure not to over expose the film or overlap images.
5. USE A SPLITZER. Or make one. cover portions of the lens with a dedicated splitzer, or tape off parts of your lens. this will leave the covered section of the film unexposed, leaving more room for better richer exposures.
6. PRO TIPS. DON’T FORGET TO ROTATE / REMOVE SPITLZER AFTER EACH SHOT. But, sometimes happy mistakes happen roll with it. USE A TRIPOD. This will help with lining up your shots and keeping the camera steady on manual exposure times. PLAY WITH SHUTTER TIMES. If your camera allows. USE COLORED FLASH FILTERS. Try switching colors between exposures. TRY BLACK AND WHITE FILM.
7. SHOOT THE WHOLE PACK.

HAPPY HAUNTING -VF

CAMERAS UP FOR THE TASK

All the cameras below have what it takes to make the photos describes above.

LOMO INSTANT WIDE (multiple)

POLAROID NOW (double) / NOW+ (multiple)

POLAROID ONE STEP + (multiple)

POLAROID GO (double)

FUJI INSTAX 90 (double)