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Experimental Photography: A Primer for the Curious

• Jonathan Jacoby

Last updated:

• April 8, 2024
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Want to explore and develop your creative path beyond established photographic norms? In that case, experimental photography might be right up your alley.

Many factors go into the experimental photographic process, including composition and creative flow matter. But just as much, the non-traditional way of using your camera and development techniques defines such images.

What is Experimental Photography?

So what exactly makes certain pictures experimental in technique or look? To answer that question, we will need to examine the principles behind experimental photographs closely. From theory all the way to execution, let’s take a look at the science behind the art!

In doing so, I hope I will be able to instill in you some inspiration for future experimental projects of your own!

The History of Experimental Photography

As long as photographers have been creating pictures, innovators and abstract artists have dared to experiment. Let’s take a minute to look at the diverse history of different experimental approaches to photography.

Dadaist Experimentation and the Birth of Modern Abstract Photography

Today’s notion of experimental photography mostly emerged in the wake of the first World War. At that time, the Dadaists, Cubists, and Futurists were the talk of the painting world. Their ideology revolved around a libertine, pacifist, and satirical view of the world that challenged all sorts of established norms.

These aesthetic influences soon bled over into photography as well.

Important Dadaist photographers like Man Ray developed their own unique process for producing abstract , experimental images. Then, the most common techniques in use were multiple exposures, non-standard lighting, and soft focus.

Many Dadaists and Futurists also experimented with collage work, layering multiple images and arranging them in a particularly creative way. This would become a staple of experimental photography in later years.

Experimental Photography Since 1945

As time passed, more wild opportunities for creating experimental photography became available or were discovered. For example, X-ray and infrared photography took off massively after World War II, leading to a slew of notable experimental art in the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Advanced forms of image manipulation and alternative processes spread, too. Some artists like Ray K. Metzker would make use of this to take existing expressions further, experimenting with what he would dub “composites”.

These were wildly arranged frames consisting of numerous photographic images, sometimes as many as hundreds. Metzker based this on older types of collage but amplified by the more modern, radical darkroom processes available at the time.

Others would dip their toes into the world of cameraless photography, using chemicals, papers, and brushes as their main image-making tools and working entirely within the studio.

Experimental Photography in the Digital World

The immense power of digital editing means that experimental photographers today can produce pictures that previous generations could have only dreamed of! Thanks to post-processing software, real limitations to radically altering your experimental images no longer exist.

With that said, it’s not really possible to recreate the aesthetic possibilities offered by chemical-based photographic techniques using digital effects.

Because of this, many experimental photographers continue to work across both mediums, film and digital, utilizing the strengths of each.

In-Camera Experimental Photography Techniques

Let us now take a look at some concrete examples of experimental photography techniques used by artists past and present to create stunning images!

The following are examples of in-camera techniques. That is, they represent an easy and foolproof way to add some experimental elements to an otherwise conventional photograph by manipulating one particular aspect of how you use your camera.

Deliberate Use of Light Leaks

This technique mostly relates to film photography. Though it’s possible to create light leaks on a digital camera, it might not be as easy as described below.

A light leak occurs when light from the environment reaches the film or sensor – but not through the lens.

In many analog camera designs, especially SLRs, there are a series of foam-based seals that keep the body perfectly shut when the film is loaded. By messing with these seals, you can create localized leaks that produce interesting flashes or streaks of color and light on your exposure.

How exactly a light leak will show up on your capture is almost impossible to predict. But, for the experimental photographer, that’s the fun bit!

Even the earliest abstract photographers realized that you could render an otherwise mundane scene visually more interesting by toying with focus.

Instead of narrowing down the focus to a precise, pin-sharp point, as most of us were taught to do, you can achieve soft focus by focusing slightly in front of or behind your main subject. Playing with unusual aperture settings is also a way to bring the depth of field into a “softer” range for your shot.

Some go even further by using specialized lens filters to blur their subjects further.

The controversial British photographer-cinematographer David Hamilton became famous for his photo series and movies shot in the 1970s that all feature a very distinctive “impressionist” soft focus look. Allegedly, he achieved this by smearing vaseline all over his camera lenses!

Soft focus is an amazing fit for portraits. Still, the technique can also render still lives and other types of experimental photography in a fascinating fashion!

Intentional Motion Blur

The idea of using motion blur and intentional camera movement is similar to the notion behind soft focus. It is a way of achieving a blurred, more abstract view of your subject that can be aesthetically more interesting (if less precise) than sharp focus.

The only prerequisite for deliberate motion blur is some moving subject. In the case of static subjects, you may try to move your camera instead.

You can even try shooting from a moving vehicle (as long as it’s safe, of course)! Creating blur is also relatively easy by itself. Simply aim for a long exposure by modifying your shutter speed to blur your surroundings selectively.

Light Painting

Some photographers have further expanded on the idea of creating a picture with light in motion as the main subject. They became interested in developing a technique where long exposures could be used to create shapes and figures out of nothing more than light trails.

This is called painting with light , and it is particularly popular nowadays in the new era of abstract digital photography.

Light painting is highly inventive and can really help you unlock your potential. I highly suggest trying it out as one of your first experimental photography techniques!

Double (Triple, Quadruple…) Exposures

Taking a number of exposures on the same frame is another time-tested method to lend any picture elements of daring uniqueness.

A double exposure is considered the most beginner-friendly option. This is because the difficulty of preventing an overblown image increases drastically the more exposures you use.

Multiple exposures work best when there are large contrasts you want to exploit in your image.

For example, a first (base) frame with lots of dark areas lends itself well to this technique. A brighter second exposure will show brilliantly against the darker backdrop.

If exposing more than two times in total, make sure to graduate your individual exposures to prevent areas that are too bright from washing out large parts of your image.

Shooting Expired Film

If you’ve been dabbling in photography for a while, you have no doubt noticed the expiration dates on packs of film. Owning a roll or two that have “gone bad” is no reason to toss them into the trash, though! A film that’s expired can indeed still be used.

More than that, you can create some stunning experimental photography with it!

How exactly expired film turns out on your final print is pretty much impossible to predict. It depends on the film stock’s chemical makeup, its age, conditions of storage, and countless other factors.

Sometimes, an expired roll can turn out just like a brand-new film!

Other times, crazy chemical reactions can radically alter the look of your image. Using a film like this is definitely a gamble, but one that can produce stunning results.

It also doesn’t require any special prerequisites, making it very beginner-friendly.

Shooting Photographic Paper

Did you know that film isn’t the only thing you can put into your analog camera? Indeed, some photographers like to experiment by using paper in its place.

This is most easily accomplished on cameras that take sheet film in the same size as common paper sizes, such as 4×5″ or 8×10″.

However, by cutting and forming paper in the darkroom, you can custom-fit it to nearly any camera, given the right tools and lots of patience!

Because photographic paper is intended for printing, its chemical properties and the way it captures light differ strongly from the film.

Everything from sharpness and depth of field to development techniques work differently when using paper negatives. The upside is that highly surrealist, experimental pictures can result, making for a rewarding journey!

The Diverse Possibilities of Experimental Photography Gear

Of course, what makes experimental photography so exciting is that it’s not just about how you use your gear but also about what you use to capture images in the first place!

Owing to their anti-traditionalist roots, experimental photographers from all over the world have photographed with a huge variety of non-conventional tools.

Here, we’ll take a look at a few of those to give you some inspiration!

Toy Cameras

Especially recently, in the wake of the Lomography movement, toy cameras have surged in popularity. Humble in origins, they can often be had for pocket change at yard sales and flea markets.

These kinds of machines usually offer a minimum of controls, bodies made of bakelite, and meniscus (single-element) lenses.

Because achieving sharp focus is difficult and body sealing often very poor on these kinds of cameras, they are fairly frustrating to use for high-definition, professional photography.

However, those same properties make such toy cameras extremely attractive for creatively using techniques like light leaks, motion blur, and soft focus.

The Power of Large-Format Photography

In many ways, large-format photography is king when it comes to experimental photography techniques. Because large-format film only comes in single sheets, developing and processing using advanced techniques becomes a lot easier than with rolls and spools of smaller formats.

The physical size of the negative also makes it much more convenient to contact print instead of enlarging. That further opens up possibilities for certain post processing techniques which may not work well otherwise.

Selective Focus with Camera and Lens Movements

Using a large-format camera in itself is a totally different experience from what you’re probably used to. It’s many times slower, more antiquated, in a lot of ways, far less convenient.

However, it also offers you unprecedented levels of creative freedom, not just in the darkroom!

Most large-format designs are view cameras, where the lens board and the image plane are linked by bellows and rails. This allows them to move at any angle and distance relative to each other (or at least as far as the bellows allow), unlike regular solid-bodied cameras where the two are always parallel.

By making use of the power of bellows and lens movements, you can create effects of depth, fine selective focus, and much more that is hardly possible with smaller, less flexible gear.

For many, that’s a fair price to pay in exchange for the cumbersome, heavy, and slow nature of large-format photography!

You Don’t Need a Camera to Take Experimental Photos

Some hunt for the most elusive specialist gear to take experimental photographs with. Others choose to go with nothing at all !

That’s right – there is a school of experimental photography that deals with cameraless art, created entirely without the traditional construct of lens, shutter, and such.

For example, by utilizing cyanotypes, you can expose objects directly on paper using sunlight or an artificial UV light source. Essentially, you are “contact exposing” your image, much like contact printing a negative!

This type of art is called a photogram to distinguish it from a photo graph taken with a camera. While cyanotypes make a cyan blueprint, you can explore countless other processes that will produce photograms with a different look.

Altering Experimental Photographic Images with Processing Techniques

As I already mentioned, much of the magic behind any experimental image occurs after exposure in post processing. Here are some basic techniques you can use to bring out the most desirable features of your art!

Avant-Garde Printing Processes

In a similar vein to processes like cyanotype photograms, other avant-garde printing techniques can allow artists to experiment wildly with their own vision.

Take, for instance, gum printing. An old photographic process first developed in the 1800s, it doesn’t use silver emulsions like the kinds of mediums we are familiar with today. Instead, it is based on a few different salts and proteins.

Experimenting with gum prints is like learning photography all over again. The results are also quite unlike anything else you’ll ever see!

There are countless other processes out there that you can explore, from printing with platinum to developing in red wine (no kidding!). Take your time to explore this strange world and see what sticks with you!

An Experimental Photographer’s Favorite Recipe: The Film Soup

One process that I have grown particularly fond of is the so-called film soup. In souping, you immerse your roll in a homemade “soup” of liquid ingredients after having exposed, but before moving on to developing.

The ingredients you can soup with can be almost anything. Proven examples include green tea, vinegar, all kinds of spices and herbs, fruit extracts, and more. Your imagination is the limit here!

Souping can create all kinds of different effects, and it’s easy to experiment with, so I would especially recommend this one to beginners.

Painting in the Darkroom

For more advanced and daring photographers, there are techniques like chemograms, or as I like to call them, “darkroom paintings”.

In a chemogram (and other related processes), you paint on your photographic paper in much the same way as you would paint on a canvas. But instead of watercolors, you use developer and other photo chemicals!

This can result in extremely unconventional images, especially when exposing objects in double exposures or in non-traditional settings and angles.

Blending Art Forms and Expanding Your Horizons as an Experimental Photographer

Ultimately, the bases covered in this short guide represent nothing more than simple, abstract techniques to get you started in the world of experimental photographs.

Start with what you’ve learned today and choose to go beyond. Many of history’s most successful experimental photographers grew their portfolios largely by deciding on a unique artistic vision, a framework for their aesthetic output.

I recommend trying to use the techniques we looked at today to construct such a framework. This can give direction to your craft and help you set clear goals.

Most important of all, don’t forget to practice as much as you can! There’s a lot to learn in experimental photography, and none of it will sink in over the long term if you don’t expose yourself to it regularly.

With that, I wish you good luck and a lot of fun experimenting! Till next time!

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Articles & Features

Art Media: What Happens When Artists Experiment with Unusual Materials

By Tori Campbell

Art observers often focus their attention on the subject portrayed in artistic works — but often the art media used to create the works is just as, if not more, important than the subject itself. Though we usually think of visual artists working in paints, inks, or clays; artists have also experimented with art media as strange and unconventional as bubblegum, elephant dung, and human blood. Take a look with us at some of the more surprising materials artists have created with throughout time.  

Burnt Plastic

Inspired by Jean Dubuffet’s use of dirt, sand, and organic materials; Italian artist Alberto Burri began to experiment with art while in a World War II prisoner-of-war camp in Texas. Thus, he worked with found materials like burlap, coal tar, and oil to hone his artistic style. Though born out of necessity, this practice became his signature style, and has culminated in his iconic series Combustioni Plastica of meticulously burnt sheets of plastic. By using a flaming torch as his paintbrush, and a sheet of plastic as his canvas, Burri creates postmodern pieces that hang from the ceiling and inextricably incorporate light and transparency into his media.

Meat as art media crept into popular culture in 2010 when Lady Gaga wore a dress of raw beef to the MTV Video Music Awards, but years prior performance artist Zhang Huan walked through the streets of New York City in a bulging meat suit. His piece, My New York, confronted his experience as an immigrant in the city, his relationship to Buddist tradition, and the animalism of man. Even further back, Carole Schneemann, performance artist and influential player in the Judson Church movement, choreographed and staged Meat Joy in 1964. The piece showed eight men and women chaotically writhing upon the floor whilst biting at raw chicken, fish, sausage, and scraps of meatpacking garbage. An instant shock to her audience, Meat Joy explored the relationship to the body and sexuality through raw flesh and allusions to erotic rites.

Smoke & Soot

Czechoslovakian artist Jiri Georg Dokoupil has worked with a multiplicity of art media throughout his career, experimenting with materials such as milk and soap. Never one to be pigeonholed into a singular style or media, Dokoupil has famously built upon the Surrealist practice of fumage, utilising smoke and soot in his art. Presented for the first time in 1936 at the International Surrealist Exhibition in London surrealist artist Wolfgang Paalen’s Dictated by a Candle was created using the fumes from a candle held near a canvas. Dokoupil’s smoke and soot works are extensions of this surrealist technique, studied and expanded upon in pieces like his 2004 Pusteblumen, where he has masterfully ‘painted’ a garden scene with soot.

Dead Animals

Somewhat of a celebrity in the art world; artist, collector, and entrepreneur Damien Hirst’s most iconic pieces incorporate dead animals as a primary art media. His 1991 piece The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, commissioned by British art collector Charles Saatchi, employed a dead 14-foot (4.3m) tiger shark in a tank of formaldehyde to communicate the mission of his work. The series comprised of more, and other, dead animals in formaldehyde tanks, occasionally partially dissected; including sheep, cows, birds, and even a zebra. The works came under public scrutiny in 2016 when a study reported that high levels of formaldehyde fumes were leaking from his pieces throughout their 2012 exhibition at the Tate Modern. Though these claims are being contested, it is one small example of the logistical and legal troubles artists can experience when utilising strange or controversial art media. 

Elephant Dung

Another artist that is no stranger to the controversy surrounding their unorthodox choice of art media is Chris Ofili. Ofili is the artist behind the 1996 The Holy Virgin Mary, a massive 8-foot tall work created out of mixed art media including pornographic collage and elephant dung. To be crass the painting is quite literally ‘made of shit’ — or rather, elephant dung that Ofili brought back to London with him after a residency in Zimbabwe, allowing the work to become emblematic of everything that conservative thinkers thought offensive about modern art. The work travelled the world in the late 1990s as part of Charles Saatchi’s show Sensation , and it deeply upset Catholics everywhere it went — to the extent that it was defaced with white paint by a man who deemed the work ‘blasphemous’. Famously, then-mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani, tried and failed to ban the work and strip the exhibiting Brooklyn Museum of its grant due to his aversion to the piece. 

“There’s nothing in the First Amendment that supports horrible and disgusting projects!” Rudy Guiliani

Inspired by the realism and true-to-life nature of life casting, Marc Quinn uses the technique in a brand-new way, employing blood as his chosen art media. In his sculptural Self series Quinn uses ten pints of his own blood to craft a self portrait that is both an image of him, and literally a part of him. Drawn to the medium as blood is the essence of life, a material that has deep symbolic and true function, Quinn has also used animal blood and placenta to create his pieces. His upcoming work Our Blood, set to open as public art on the steps of the New York Public Library in June 2021, comprises the blood of over 10,000 donations. Meant to illustrate the equalising power of blood, and that we are all one as humanity, Quinn aims to raise money and awareness for the rights of refugees with this ambitious work. Learn more about Our Blood by watching the video below.

Pornographic Magazines

One of the leading figurative artists in the world, Jonathan Yeo creates his portraiture out of art media not typically seen in galleries and museums: pornographic magazines. By meticulously collecting snippets of flesh and genitalia, Yeo crafts collaged portraiture that might seem perfectly normal from afar, but far from it up close. Coordinating his media with his subjects, his Bush piece is a perfect example of how his chosen art media can poke fun and provoke the people he depicts. Given former United States president George Bush’s puritanical views about sex and human sexuality, Yeo is able to shed light on the hypocrisy of the political right with his work.

Chewing Gum

Bubblegum: emblematic of the childhood fantasy-like wonder and enthusiastic playfulness of the artist that has been known to utilise the substance as art media. Dan Colen began to make ‘paintings’ out of chewing gum in 2006, ushering in an era of exploration around materials and medium as opposed to his previous tendency of representational subject matter. Primarily concerned with being guided by his art media instead of manipulating it himself Colen has mused upon this technique as a loss of control and an excitement with letting go, commenting that his paintings have taken on “inevitable forms — almost like destined forms” as if they have a life of their own.

Cassette Tapes

Enchanted by an event in which he cut out and carried the tape of a cassette around with him throughout the day, bringing a song physically in his pocket artist Gregor Hildebrandt has brought this inspiration into his artistic oeuvre. Defined by art media surrounding musical artefacts like cassette tapes and vinyls; Hildebrandt’s work literally incorporates songs, films, or poems within the visual art. Repurposing materials often found in garage sales and rubbage heaps, Hildebrandt purchases his art media from eBay in massive batches, displaying visually that which is recorded in audio — just like the grooves of a vinyl record.

Lottery Tickets

While walking their dog Banana, artists Lauren Was and Adam Eckstrom noticed discarded colourful bits of paper; lottery tickets. The poetic implications of dreams unfulfilled or hopes dashed that accompanied these thrown away tickets was not lost on the artists, and their inspiration to create the series Ghost of a Dream was born. While collecting tons upon tons of the tickets, they also conducted research to find out what people buy when they win the lottery. They found that often, the first thing winners do is buy a car. Thus, Was and Eckstrom set out to create a full scale Hummer H3, the first piece of the dream trilogy that also included Dream Vacation and Dream Home, the top three things purchased with lottery winnings . Dream Car made of $39,000 worth of lottery tickets to represent the retail cost of the new car in 2008, is a large-scale installation that ruminates on money spent on dreams and the risky behaviours that accompany these goals.

Relevant sources to learn more

Learn from the Tate about what an art medium is Read for yourself about the controversy surrounding Damien Hirst’s formaldehyde Have you learned about the medium of textile art? Take a look at the work of our top ten favourite textile artists

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10 Experimental Photography Techniques You Should Try

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Experimental photography is excellent if you’re stuck in a rut or trapped inside because of the weather. Here are 10 techniques you should try for a motivational kick. In this article, I’ll focus on digital photography rather than film-based photography. Most of the techniques you can do without purchasing extra equipment. All you need is your camera, some everyday items, and Photoshop .

What Is Experimental Photography?

1. Intentional Motion Blur

2. Light Painting

3. Impressionistic Focus

4. Projected Image

5. Alternative Filters

6. Double Exposure

7. Mirroring

8. In-Camera Effects

10. Photoshop Filters

If I haven’t given you enough experimental photography techniques to play with, this final one might keep you busy for a while. Apply Photoshop filters to images in your back catalog. Photoshop includes a whole host of filters that can significantly change your photos. Let me show you two popular filters.

Polar Coordinates

Conclusion: Experimental Photography

These 10 experimental photography techniques will help spark creative photography ideas . There are also plenty of others you can try! Play with alternative photo-making equipment like pinhole, toy, or infrared cameras . Or try your hand at alternative film processing techniques. Experimental digital photography is anything outside the norm. It is about exploring what is possible with your camera and even what” can be defined as a “photograph.” Have some fun, and use your camera and post-processing tools creatively!

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Experimental Photography: Exciting Techniques To Try

Discover the artistry of experimental photography. Learn more about its marvelous techniques to help you produce one-of-a-kind, mesmerizing creations and unique artwork.

Learn | By Stephan Jukic

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Experimental photography isn’t just about capturing a still scene in front of you.

It goes beyond that, allowing you to inject your personality into photos by utilizing your creativity.

Whether you experiment with various photography techniques or add your touch later on, experimental photography is something you should definitely look into as an artist.

In this article, you’ll learn more about producing photographic images using experimental photography.

Moreover, you’ll find many techniques and ideas to try.

Table of Contents

What Is Experimental Photography?

Just as the name suggests, experimental photography is all about experimenting with different photography techniques .

Primarily, it’s an innovative approach to capturing images that go beyond traditional photography.

You can produce unbelievably stunning artwork by pushing the boundaries of your camera and your imagination.

All in all, you can never go wrong with experimental photography.

History of Experimental Photography

Man Ray in His Workshop. Credit: Man Ray, Public Domain, via GetArchive LLC, PICRYL.com

Experimental photography dates back to the early 20th century, upon the rise of the Dadaist movement .

It’s when pioneer photographers first tried to push the boundaries of traditional photography. As a result, artists such as Man Ray discovered new techniques like photogram and solarization.

Furthermore, with the introduction of digital photography in the late 20th century, photographers adopted other approaches, such as digital manipulation.

Overall and throughout history, experimental photography has been evolving rapidly. It allows freedom to challenge photography norms and redefine the art form.

Experimental Photography Techniques

Experimental photographers usually use a mix of techniques they can apply to both digital and analog (film) photography.

Such techniques aren’t just limited to one specific medium. Contrarily, you can use traditional film cameras, digital cameras, or even a hybrid of both mediums to achieve them.

Here are some techniques to try the next time you decide to have a go at experimental photography.

1. Double Exposure

Credit: Darya Sannikova

Double exposure is a photography technique that captures two or more images on the same frame.

Film photographers were the first to discover such a technique by clicking the shutter without advancing the film.

By merging two scenes, this technique creates a layered effect to add a form of symbolism to photos.

Whether done with a digital or film camera , double exposure offers creative opportunities to convey unique concepts in a single frame.

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2. Light Painting

Credit: Atiabii

This is another eye-catching technique used in experimental photography to create stunning compositions.

Mainly, it uses long exposure times in a dark environment to create artwork with colorful light trails .

Using this technique, you can produce abstract images just by moving an LED or flashlight in front of the camera during the exposure.

All you need to do is set the shutter speed to 30 seconds and move fast with a light source while the shutter is open. It’s definitely a technique worth trying for photography enthusiasts.

3. Chemical Manipulation (Darkroom Manipulation)

Chemical manipulation in experimental photography involves using a few chemical processes to create unique visual effects for the photo print .

Using this technique, photographers aim to adjust the photo’s brightness, color tone, contrast, texture, etc. It’s more of a hands-on approach that guarantees control over the outcome.

In digital photography, chemical manipulation isn’t a thing. Instead, post-processing techniques are applied through various software that help achieve the same desired visual effect.

4. Cameraless Photography

Credit: LCRC Photographer, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Also known as photogram or rayogram, cameraless photography doesn’t involve using a traditional camera at all.

Experimental photographers using this technique often place a few objects directly onto photosensitive material (light-sensitive photographic paper).

Then, they expose the paper to light. When developed, these objects create formations of silhouettes, producing marvelous abstract images.

Such an experimental approach is amazing because it encourages your artistic spirit to play around with shadow and light.

5. Solarization

Popularized by Man Ray in the early 20th century, solarization is yet another spectacular photography technique.

It wouldn’t have been possible for such a technique to come to light if it wasn’t for Ray breaking the main rule of darkroom photography .

While in the darkroom processing films, he would switch on the lights momentarily. Doing so created a surreal effect where dark areas of the photos appeared as if they were glowing.

6. Collage and Montage

Credit: Mike, CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED, via Flickr

Montage is one of the most commonly used techniques in experimental photography and photo editing.

It’s as simple as layering multiple photographs or parts of photographs to create a single composite image.

Back in the day, experimental photographers did photo montages by cutting and glueing parts of artwork together.

Nowadays, with modern digital editing tools, you can express yourself through montages and collages much more easily.

7. Holga Photography

Credit: Matthew Moloney

Holga cameras , a medium format type of cameras made in Hong Kong, are famous for their unpredictability.

Mostly, such cameras often feature quirky images with light leaks, streaks, vignetting, etc.

In ordinary cameras, such results are considered undesirable. However, experimental photographers embrace the camera’s imperfections for the dreamlike image quality it produces.

So much so that you can find lenses for your modern digital camera specially made for taking Holga-style photos.

8. Lomography

Credit: Scott Evans

Lomography works almost the same as Holga photography in its spontaneity and unconventional compositions. It prioritizes creative expression over technical perfection.

Fundamentally, it’s a genre of photography often associated with cheap film cameras , such as Lomo LC-A+.

On the whole, the use of such a camera encourages a playful attitude towards photography with its distortions, light leaks , and bold colors.

9. Infrared Photography

Credit: SplitShire

Professional photographers use infrared filters or special lenses to create stunning images featuring infrared colors .

Such a technique captures wavelengths beyond the visible spectrum, revealing a surreal world of invisible light.

Infrared photography usually features light-colored foliage, dramatically dark skies, and fascinating landscapes with ethereal aesthetics.

10. Liquid Emulsion

Liquid emulsion is a formidable photography technique that allows your creativity to go wild when it comes to the process of printing images.

Simply put, liquid emulsion is a light-sensitive coating made of bromide crystals suspended in a gelatin solution or tiny grains of silver halides.

When you expose this emulsion to light, it creates images, just like light-sensitive paper does. So, whatever surface or material you choose to coat with emulsion becomes your final product.

This technique facilitates the use of non-conventional surfaces and textures, such as glass, paper, fabric, wood, etc. As a result, you end up with a vintage-style, handmade aesthetic.

11. Intentional Motion Blur

Credit: Jimmy Chan

Motion blur happens when your camera’s shutter stays open for a longer than needed time while photographing a moving object.

Typically, photographers try to avoid these kinds of occurrences. However, experimental artists sometimes create it deliberately to capture motion in a still photo.

To create this effect, conveying a sense of motion and energy, photographers increase the exposure intentionally. Consequently, they add a dynamic dimension to the photos taken.

12. Impressionistic Focus

Credit: Kari Shea

Rather than providing a literal representation of a subject through photography, impressionistic focus aims to evoke emotions and capture a mood.

Such a technique deliberately uses selective focus to create dreamy images . So, as opposed to the main goal of photography, impressionistic focus deliberately shoots out-of-focus scenes.

To try this technique, set your camera’s focus to manual and start experimenting. You can control the final result, whether you want to blur out parts of the scene or all of it.

13. Cyanotype

Credit: Lisa Fotios

Cyanotype is famous for its simplicity and the creative possibilities it offers photographers. It’s an alternative experimental photographic process dating back to the 19th century.

Such a process involves coating a paper or fabric surface with a light-sensitive chemical solution (potassium ferricyanide and ferric ammonium citrate).

Primarily, these chemical compounds turn blue when exposed to UV light, producing a cyan-blue print image .

14. Mirroring

Credit: Nikolay Trebukhin

Creating a mesmerizing effect, this approach usually uses digital editing software to manipulate photos.

It’s a worth-mentioning experimental photography technique that involves creating symmetrical effects by reflecting images, resulting in abstract compositions.

In general, mirroring can transform ordinary scenes into visually intriguing patterns, allowing you to view familiar subjects from a different perspective.

15. Cross-Processing

Credit: Robert-Hruzek-CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED-Flickr

The cross-processing technique is when you develop a film using chemicals other than the types it was intended for.

For example, you process a slide film using chemicals meant for color negative film, and so on.

As a result, you get unpredictable color shifts, high contrast, and vivid image effects, creating vintage aesthetics.

16. Time-Lapse Photography

Credit: Faik Akmd

Those impressive videos of highway traffic, the sunset, or the stars of the night sky are all created using the amazing technique of time-lapse photography .

The whole idea behind those clips revolves around capturing a series of images at fixed intervals over an extended period.

After that, the photographer combines those images and plays them back, revealing slow changes not visible in real time.

17. Macro Photography

Credit: Suparerg Suksai

Lastly, one of most artists’ favorite techniques is macro photography . You can literally spend hours experimenting with it and not even notice it.

Such a technique focuses on capturing extreme close-up images of small objects, showcasing intricate details and textures not visible to the naked eye.

Yet, to be able to get those shots, you need to have lenses or equipment specifically designed for such tasks.

Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.

Includes limited-time discounts.

Stephan Jukic is a technology and photography journalist and experimental photographer who spends his time living in both Canada and Mexico. He loves cross-cultural street photo exploration and creating fine art photo compositions.

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Experimental Portraiture: Fusing Oil, Acrylic, and Spray Paint

A course by nikolas antoniou , painter.

Reflect the emotions of your subject by experimenting with ideas and accidents using different types of paint

• Information

Painting gives you the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, express ideas, and create new ones. Artist Nikolas Antoniou uses it as a way to convey the feelings and emotions of his subjects. Working with texture, color, and creative accidents, he paints portraits with spirit that have been showcased at exhibitions and art fairs across the world.

In this course, Nikolas gives you the tools to create experimental portraits of your own. Learn how to use oil, acrylic, and spray paints along with innovative techniques to create paintings filled with emotions.

What will you learn in this online course?

18 lessons & 15 downloads

• 99% positive reviews ( 272 )
• 6,972 students
• 18 lessons (3h 27m)
• 15 additional resources (2 files)
• Online and at your own pace
• Available on the app
• Audio: English
• English , Spanish , Portuguese , German , French , Italian , Polish , Dutch
• Level: Beginner
• Unlimited access forever

What is this course's project?

Create a unique portrait that reflects an emotion by experimenting with oil, acrylic, and spray paint, using a photo reference as your guide.

Projects by course students

By katharina_goette

By allison.board

Who is this online course for?

This course is for anyone with an interest in painting or exploring a new creative perspective.

Requirements and materials

No previous experience is necessary for this course. It is suitable for painters of all levels and abilities. In terms of materials, you will need a laptop, oil paints, spray paint, oil paint diluent, brushes, an orange pencil, a ruler, and paper.

Excellent course with clear and detailed explanation from the teacher. I especially enjoyed learning about new ways to capture emotion in a painting with an array of artistic media and materials. One thing I would like to mention is about Francis Bacon being born in Dublin making him Irish, not British, a small but important detail about one of the world's greatest artists :) Go raibh míle maith agat!

Como artista es verdaderamente magnifico, pero como docente considero que le falta mucho carisma. Siento que falto más exploración durante el curso, habla mucho y no hay mucha practica ni experimentación. Saludos.

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conexionbll

Me ha encantado la forma de abordar la pintura saliendo de las técnicas clásicas que había visto hasta ahora. Me ha enseñado a querer experimentar y encontrar mi propio técnica de expresión porque todo vale.

Interesting course. We can learn new things. Portraits are well done, original

hay algunas cosas que se pueden rescatar, en mi opinión me hubiese encantado saber mas cuestiones de tonos de piel y como leer cada elemento, pero su técnica me parece que no sera la mas tradicional, pero rescata un poco lo que quería aprender

• More reviews

Nikolas Antoniou A course by Nikolas Antoniou

Nikolas Antoniou is a Cypriot painter who specializes in portrait art. He first began experimenting artistically by recreating his favorite album covers in his school books. His cousin, an architecture student at the time, later introduced him to the medium of charcoal which inspired him to draw daily and consider art as a career option. Nikolas went on to study fine art at the University of Western Macedonia and, after graduating, returned to Cyprus to open a studio where he could work on his art full-time.

Nikolas’ style is inspired by the feelings and emotions behind his subjects and his work has been displayed at solo exhibitions and art fairs across the world. He has collaborated with galleries including Morren Galleries in The Netherlands and Alpha C. K Art Gallery in Cyprus as well as with companies like Absolut Vodka.

Introduction

Materials and tips before we start.

• Portraits That Reflect Emotion
• Brushes and Spray Paint 1
• Brushes and Spray Paint 2
• Creating Light with White Spirit

Synthesis and Colors

• How to Choose the Right Reference Image
• Synthesis 1
• Synthesis 2
• The Power of Colors
• Preparing Our Canvas
• Create the Grid
• Shadow Layers
• Creating Accidents and Using Colors 1
• Creating Accidents and Using Colors 2

Observing Our Painting

• Adding Elements to Make Our Work Stand Out
• Deciding When to Stop

Final project

• Experimental portraying in oil

What to expect from a Domestika course

Learn at your own pace.

Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.

Learn from the best professionals

Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.

Meet expert teachers

Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.

Certificates Plus

If you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.

Get front-row seats

Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.

Share knowledge and ideas

Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.

Connect with a global creative community

The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.

Watch professionally produced courses

Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.

Domestika's courses are online classes that provide you with the tools and skills you need to complete a specific project. Every step of the project combines video lessons with complementary instructional material, so you can learn by doing. Domestika's courses also allow you to share your own projects with the teacher and with other students, creating a dynamic course community.

All courses are 100% online, so once they're published, courses start and finish whenever you want. You set the pace of the class. You can go back to review what interests you most and skip what you already know, ask questions, answer questions, share your projects, and more.

The courses are divided into different units. Each one includes lessons, informational text, tasks, and practice exercises to help you carry out your project step by step, with additional complementary resources and downloads. You'll also have access to an exclusive forum where you can interact with the teacher and with other students, as well as share your work and your course project, creating a community around the course.

You can redeem the course you received by accessing the redeeming page and entering your gift code.

• Illustration
• Acrylic Painting
• Oil Painting

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Alex Majoli on Artists and the Rewards of Environmental Portraiture

The photographer discusses environmental portraiture, responding to and reflecting a subject's mood and work, and the rewards of meeting artists in their own studios

At 15, Alex Majoli joined the F45 bottega in Ravenna, Italy, working as an apprentice under Daniele Casadio. “I grew up in the studio, which specialized in art reproduction,” Majoli recalls. “Many times my master asked me to go to the studios of the artists while they were working to complete the catalogues. I learned that the place where one should take a picture of an artist is in their studio.”

The wisdom that an artist might best be understood situated within the environs in which they create has served Majoli extraordinarily well over the years. Although not primarily a portrait photographer, Majoli’s sensitivity to the complex interplay between his subjects’ inner worlds and outer lives has made him a gifted portraitist of leading contemporary artists.

In the new book Magnum Artists: Great Photographers Meet Great Artists , the title’s author and editor Simon Bainbridge brings together portraits by Magnum members of more than 100 of the most innovative artists of the past century. From Edward Steichen, Man Ray, and Marcel Duchamp to William Eggleston, Nan Goldin, and Naim June Paik, Magnum Artists offers an intimate look at a diverse array of men and women who have transformed the course of Western art.

Majoli’s environmental portraits reveal the collaborative nature of his approach and the importance of developing a space for mutual engagement between artist and sitter in the creative process. Whether photographing with Marina Abramović, Yayoi Kusama, Shirin Neshat, Ron Gorchov, James Rosenquist, Sophia Calle, Carrie Mae Weems, or Ellsworth Kelly, Majoli possesses the ability to distill the essence of each artist to reveal the space where mind, spirit, and body become one.

Majoli approaches each of his subjects from a place of discovery. He follows no template or technique, preferring to allow his subjects and the environment to inform the shape the portrait will take. “If you go to an established photographer, the sitter knows they are going to look fantastic and great, and the result has already been written before they take a picture,” Majoli says. “The artists saw my photography, and some of my conceptual work. They were excited because maybe they didn’t know what I would come up with. Sometimes they would be skeptical, but they were also intrigued and interested in being more experimental.”

For Majoli, dialogue is a critical part of the portrait process, be it through a conversation or shared activities. “Even when I have my camera in front of a person, the person can collaborate with me by suggesting a set-up they would like to try,” he says. “We go from there to another place — that is the best part: just to be free to express ourselves. It has to be a picture of two people, not only one. Then the cross-over of two personalities materializes in the work.”

The results are a series of portraits that stand at the intersection of two creative minds, allowing each portrait to stand apart from one another by offering a unique, often-unexpected insight into the spirit of the subject. Majoli’s portraits of Sophie Calle made for La Repubblica in 2011 depict extraordinary scenes of the French writer, photographer, installation and conceptual artist in her home and studio, a space as eccentric as the woman herself. Located in Malakoff, a suburb south of Paris where Calle has lived and worked since 1979, the studio has transformed from a warehouse-like space into what she describes as a “zoo of taxidermy,” featureing a tiger, giraffe, peacock, monkey, foxes, and two large bull’s heads, which appear in one of Majoli’s portraits. “Sophie Calle’s a collector. Her work is all about collection investigations that are less pictorial and all about thinking,” Majoli observes. “You can fall in love with any man or woman, any artist you photograph, because they are so brilliant of mind.”

"It has to be a picture of two people, not only one. Then the cross-over of two personalities materializes in the work."

- alex majoli.

Similarly, Majoli’s 2009 portraits of the Iranian visual artist Shirin Neshat evoke her visual language: renowned for investigating the dialects of binary thinking that inform our notions of East and West, feminine and masculine, public and private, and present and past. “Shirin Neshat is so beautiful, fragile, and silent. She was dressed in black with painted eyes that reminded me of a cat,” Majoli recalls. “Her home was a minimal place in Soho [in New York] with beautiful light. I tried to [create some] symbiosis and translate what I saw. I entered her place: it was white, she was dressed in black, and the work is black and white. It came naturally to do what I did there.”

It was a very different encounter compared to Majoli’s experience photographing Marina Abramović for American Vogue when the “grandmother of performance art” was living in Rome in 2005. “That was a more glamorous shoot. There was a stylist on the set who came with some cutting-edge clothes. We spent a day together and had fun. She is a performer and this was evident on the shoot. I was thinking more about the glamour side than the artist side when I took those pictures. We walked through Rome and she was ringing bells at her friends’ homes asking, ‘Can we take a picture here?’ She also wanted kitsch: an image of her on a Vespa in front of the Colosseum, which was all her idea. I am not really into that,” Majoli says with a laugh. “The others were much more of a collaboration.”

Majoli is adept in dealing with strong personalities, recognizing that within their expression something deeper reveals itself, as is the case in his 2012 portrait of American artist James Rosenquist. Majoli met the early proponent of Pop Art in his Florida studio half a century after his first solo exhibition and inclusion in the landmark ‘New Realists’ show at Sidney Janis Gallery where his work appeared alongside Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Claes Oldenburg’s.

“You don’t do so much with Rosenquist — he is a volcano of energy,” says Majoli. In an explanation of the intent, demanding look on Rosenquist’s face, he remembers, “He was cracking jokes from the first moment of the day, and even making jokes about how his studio burned down years before all his work caught on fire. He was so immersed in what he was doing, I had to ask, ‘Can you stop for a second? Really. I need to take a picture.’ He said, ‘Yeah come on take the picture. I have to paint.’”

“I asked him what he thought about [another artist’s] work that seemed to copy his in a certain way,” Majoli continues, “and he said, ‘You know Alex, everybody has a mother. My mother oversaw me when I was young to wake up early in the morning and work hard. His mother says, ‘Wake up the morning and copy James Rosenquist.’” Majoli laughs, delighted at the memory of Rosenquist’s unquenchable pith. “I’m so glad I met these people. What a privilege!”

A striking counterpoint to that rollicking meeting was the time Majoli spent with American painter, sculptor, and printmaker Ellsworth Kelly in the artist’s 20,000-square-foot Spencertown studio in upstate New York in 2012. By this time, Kelly — best known for his hard-edge, minimalist works made in the Color Field style during the mid 20 th century — was in his late 80s. There, Majoli’s approach to portraiture was just as pared back as the works of the artist himself, encapsulating Kelly’s simple color palette that underscores the geometry of forms.

“Ellsworth Kelly is shy, completely gentle, and really calm. He uses crutches and usually needs to be seated, but was walking around the studio with his oxygen tank, which he had taken off for the photograph. He gave me a lot,” Majoli says. “I love that picture. It’s not really the standard image someone would take or publish. It was dark and he was backlit, but I saw something, and I asked, ‘Can you stop, please?’ He gave me all the time and was super sweet.”

Despite the differences of subject, style, medium, and approach among the many artists Majoli met and photographed, he discovered they all shared the same passion to create. “It was a lesson that made me realize the market side is a completely different world,” he says. “Yayoi Kusama, I think she doesn’t even know what they are doing with the paintings, she just does them. As an artist… you wake up in the morning and do what you feel. They keep the flame of creativity focused on the art, rather than how much money they could make with it. I feel like even if they got $1 a day, they would have the same passion and dedication. I am sure — I saw that.”

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9 Amazing Experimental Film Photographers! by Sara Johansen

• Learn to Shoot Film: Tips & Tutorials
• March 1, 2024

Written by  Sara Johansen

I’m always on the hunt for inspiration. Sometimes it’s new music, maybe walking through an art gallery, talking with artist friends, or a visit to a park. Inspiration can be found all around, truly!

One spot that is never without fail, though, is finding incredible inspiring artists through Instagram. So I’m going to share a list of some experimental film photographers that are currently inspiring me.

1. Liz Potter – Polaroids & Emulsion Lift Art

Liz Potter ( @lizpotterphotography ) has an incredible ability to capture scenes of West Texas, where she currently resides. She does a lot of Polaroid work along with her 35mm and 120 images, and I’m always amazed by her emulsion lifts .

She’s constantly testing new methods with layering, toning and more, leaving me always inspired to experiment more!

She also does cyanotypes and darkroom printing – I’m often left wondering if there’s anything she cannot do and also when can I go camping with her in Big Bend!

Connect with Liz: Website | Instagram

2. Merecedes Nelson – Film Soup Experimentation

Mercedes ( @film.fawn ) and I connected over film soup , and to say she’s a constant inspiration to me would be an understatement.

She’s continually pushing the boundary on ingredients to use and experiment with – it makes me want to try more new things with soup!

She creates images with some incredible colors and I particularly love some of her recent portrait film soup work. She’s also a Polaroid person, so you know I don’t hate that either.

Connect with Merecedes: Website | Instagram

Related: 40 Resources for Shooting Experimental Film Photography

3. Sharon Steven & BKIFI Films – Special Effects Film

Sharon Steven ( @sharonstevenstudio ) is the mastermind behind BKIFI Films, and to say I’m obsessed with her experimental films she’s creating would be an understatement.

She creates 35mm film with special effects and also has made adapters to use with 35mm cameras, Polaroid cameras, and Instax cameras to get similar special effects.

Oh yeah, and she has disposable cameras for sale as well featuring the special effects film. The confetti and rainbow films are my favorite and will be on my list to use in 2024.

Connect with Sharon: Website | Instagram | BKIFI Website | BKIFI Instagram

4. Gothy Panda – Kodak Handle Revival

There’s a lot of fun happening on Gothy_Panda’s IG , but let me tell you what I’m obsessed with – her hack to print Instax film through a vintage Kodak Handle instant camera.

When I stumbled across a reel of hers on IG showing how she converted the instant Kodak camera to work with modern Instax film, I could hardly believe it. I was so annoyed at myself for not impulse buying a Kodak Handle for $5 the week before when I was antique shopping in Illinois. Safe to say, I’m now on an official hunt for one, and this is absolutely one of my goals for my photography in 2024.

Oh, and did I mention she does incredible Polaroid work as well? If instant film is your jam, she’s a must follow!

Connect with Gothy_Panda: Instagram

5. Annette Young – Holga & Lomography Film Work

Annette Young ( @annetteyoungphotography ) has become a favorite account of mine to follow because she creates incredible stories with her Holga and Lomography film.

She doesn’t shy away from Lomo’s experimental films like Lomo Turquoise and Lomo Purple , and her doubles on her Holga always leave me wanting more.

You can see in her Instagram posts that each roll that goes through her Holga has a story, and it’s really beautiful to follow along. It’s definitely got me rethinking how I shoot with my Holga, to do less random snapshots and look at how I can use it as a storyteller.

Connect with Annette: Website | Instagram

6. Anne-Mette Kelter Weinkouff – Polaroid Manipulation & Emulsion Lifts

Anne-Mette ( @kelterphotography ) is a Polaroid magician. It’s true. She does a lot of Polaroid manipulation work, and I’m so in love with her ability to make a Polaroid look like a watercolor painting. It’s truly stunning.

She also creates the most beautiful emulsion lifts – it’s got me ready to practice my own emulsion lift craft more, because hers are actually perfect.

Her “Liquid Dresses” series is also serious goals for me. The idea and execution is fantastic and it’s got me thinking I need a new Polaroid project for the new year.

Connect with Anne-Mette: Website | Instagram

7. Amber Lauder – Film Experimentation

Let me tell you something about Amber’s ( @amberlauderphoto ) work – you will never not be amazed by it. Film soup, Polaroids, multiple exposures, and more. Every time she posts I’m thinking, oh boy, HOW?! It’s always a delight when she pops up in my Instagram feed, and it continually feeds my film experimentation cravings.

Another bonus of Amber’s account? She’s an incredible curator of other experimental work, and she’s often sharing it in her stories. When her stories pop up, I know I’m in for a treat, because I will inevitably find another new account to follow. Safe to say her account is unlimited when it comes to inspiration.

Connect with Amber: Website | Instagram

Related: The New Polaroid I-2 Camera: Getting Creative with Filters and Multi-Exposures

8. Mia Bloombecker – Film Swaps

Mia ( @nationale7 ) is a master of film swaps, and it’s got me craving to do one immediately. Her account is a compilation of film swaps she’s done, and it always blows me away.

Film swaps are when you shoot the roll and then send off to someone else to shoot over that roll, essentially giving you blind doubles from two totally different places. It can make for some incredibly interesting images, and I love seeing how they turn out.

I did a film swap one time, and it was kind of a bust, leaving me a bit turned off. But with Mia’s work, I’m back in and ready to try again.

She also does film soup with some of the rolls, which you know I absolutely adore. And be sure to check out the article about the seven years of film swapping she’s done with Erdal Kahraman ( @the.analog.erdalito ) – just incredible!

Mia, dm me, I wanna do a swap with you!

Connect with Mia: Instagram

9. Michele Hamparian – Composition & Colors

I love Michele’s ( @micheleonfilm ) work! It’s so simple, yet always stops me as I’m scrolling. Her compositions and colors are so beautiful.

She has a great way of capturing landmarks that is constantly inspiring me to work on my own compositions. Her Palm Springs work was in the back of my mind on my recent trip there. As I was wandering neighborhoods and capturing the architecture, I often thought, “How would Michele capture this?” It was a great way to get me thinking differently about my composition and breaking out of some of my stale habits.

And maybe one of my favorite things about Michele is that while her work has a more traditional feel, she’s not afraid to try something completely different, such as film soup. It’s so easy to paint ourselves into a box with our work, and I love when the unexpected comes along from an artist.

Connect with Michele: Website | Instagram

Thank you to all these incredible artists for being such inspirations!

I hope you found some new-to-you film artists and photographers, plus I would love to hear who is inspiring you. Drop a line in the comments with some of your favorite accounts!

Thank you so much, Sara! Sara is a regular contributor here at Shoot It With Film, and you can  check out her other articles here , such as  Five Tips for Shooting Film at Night  and  Kodak Ektar H35 Half-Frame Film Camera Review .

You can also find more of Sara’s work on her  website ,  Instagram , and  print store .

Share your favorite experimental film photographers below in the comments!

Related Posts:

Sara Johansen

Sara Johansen is a lifestyle and family portraits and experimental film photographer and a regular contributor for Shoot It With Film. Find her other articles here , such as Five Tips for Shooting Film at Night and How to Edit Film Soup Images .

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Home » How To Guides » Portraits & Figurative » How to paint an experimental portrait

How to paint an experimental portrait

By Artists & Illustrators | Wed 23rd Jun 2021

https://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/how-to/portraits-figurative/how-to-paint-an-experimental-portrait/

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BP Portrait Award runner-up Felicia Forte shares an experimental way to build a likeness using thin washes of oil paint

I’m going to show you how I painted an experimental portrait of Matt over the course of three days. I’ve painted him many times before but when he fixed his glasses (which I stepped on and broke) with painter’s tape, I was excited to try another.

I started this portrait in a way which was inspired by both the range of paint textures possible when working on Arches oil paper and the fact that Matt himself favours watercolour as a medium. I also felt that it might be fun to show a different way to start a painting other than the strict and simplified manner I usually teach to my students. I felt this painting’s process was a nice balance between planning and freedom – I planned for what I knew I wanted but left the rest of the painting open for discovering new solutions.

Finally, a few notes on the materials used. I use many brands of oil paints , though I favour certain colours by Michael Harding because the pigmentation is very strong. These include Ultramarine Blue, Phthalocyanine Turquoise, Bright Yellow Lake, Cadmium Orange and Brilliant Pink. I used mostly long flat bristle brushes for this demo, as well as a range of other brushes which can be found in the set that I created with brush manufacturer, Rosemary & Co.

Felicia’s materials

• PAPER: Arches Oil cold-pressed 300gsm cotton paper, 12×16”
• PAINTS: Brilliant Pink, Quinacridone Red, Transparent Oxide Red, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Yellow, Bright Yellow Lake, Yellow Ochre, Phthalocyanine Turquoise, Cobalt Blue, Phthalocyanine Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Ivory Black and Titanium White, various artists’ oil colours
• BRUSHES: Rosemary & Co Series 2025 Chungking bristle long flats, sizes 2-10
• Odourless mineral spirit (white spirit)
• Artist’s tape
• Linseed oil
• Palette knife
• Palette, 40x50cm

I’m painting on Arches Oil paper which is very absorbent. I taped the paper to my board. I usually begin by washing the surface with a 50/50 mix of linseed oil and odourless mineral spirits so that I can erase it during the initial drawing stage, but his time I left the paper dry so that the start would mimic the feel of watercolour. I used a larger long flat brush, added plenty of spirits to my oil paint to dilute them, then loosely massed in the big shape of Matt’s head with simplified colour blocks.

I drew Matt’s glasses and eyes on top of my watercolour-like wash. I chose a warm, reddish dark colour because this tone is often found in the eyes. Those elements were the focal point of my painting and I wanted to secure the drawing of them right off the bat because I planned for a fresh and confident application of paint thereafter that could be disturbed later by any major drawing corrections.

I painted the eyes to completion and the glasses almost to that same point. I decided that “complete” in this case meant a good likeness but one without enough detail or realism to eliminate the freshness or erase the evidence of the brush. I left out some highlights here and there because I didn’t miss them but could always add them later if I changed my mind.

I worked radiating outward from the focal point, starting with big colour shapes which I began to break down little by little to describe the forms. I kept the hair and beard (which are also the dark values) washy while allowing the paint to build in the lighter areas of the flesh.

I added more layers of washy paint to the darker areas, before building up and working to resolve the flesh and the beard. I had a hard time accurately describing the beard in the economical manner I desired and so you will see me flip between more and less description in the next few stages.

I completed Matt’s neck, using just a touch less description than in the upper portion of his face. I didn’t want it to compete for attention, but I did want to do justice to the likeness. I also massed in the ear but didn’t find a solution for finishing it.

Looking back, this was my favourite rendition of the beard, but I recall feeling as if it wasn’t descriptive enough at the time. I kept the level of detail in the hair simple, but had fun experimenting with different washes and paint consistencies.

I added more description to his beard and mouth, knocked back the tonal value of the corner of his eye, and added some elements in the background. I had at first extended the line of his left shoulder to the bottom of the page but then decided to correct it with Titanium White and solve it with an instinctual drawing memory from childhood – a representation of water which I draw often. The yellow half-circle in the top left corner just seemed like it belonged above the water, a sun-like symbol.

Before I could feel as if the portrait was complete, I needed to resolve Matt’s beard in a satisfactory way. I simplified and adjusted values, washed it all off and started again. Adding more background elements seemed to sooth my inner critic and I was able to put my brush down.

• A beginner’s guide to painting a self-portrait
• How to paint vibrant portraits
• How to perfect skin tones

If you would like advice, inspiration and art projects delivered to you every four week, find out how to subscribe to Artists & Illustrators magazine .

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A guide to close-up portrait painting

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How to paint a vibrant portrait painting in oil

How to paint a portrait using the inside-out technique

How to draw a portrait with coloured pencils

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Experimental Portraits

Watermarkup Blog

What are Experimental Photography and Its Techniques?

What is experimental photography.

Experimental photography is one of those techniques that have gained popularity in recent times. It is a style of photography where the photographer uses different techniques and tools to create unique images that can’t be created using conventional methods.

Experimental photographers use their imagination to come up with new ideas and concepts for taking photos. You will often see them trying out different things with their cameras and even their subjects before they get the perfect shot they want.

Experimental photography involves taking pictures in a way that is unusual or unexpected. It is not just about capturing an image but also about how it looks and what effect you want it to have on your viewers’ minds and hearts. This form of art is challenging because it requires a lot of creativity from both artists and viewers alike!

Experimental photography is about exploring different techniques and playing with the possibilities of what you can do. While it might be easy to get stuck in a rut, it’s important to try new things from time to time.

Experimental photography can also be understood as a term used to describe taking pictures that are not only unique and beautiful, but also push the boundaries of traditional photography. While this type of photography can be quite complex, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, some of our favorite experimental photographers use simple techniques to create stunning images.

Experimental Photography Techniques

Photography is a unique hobby as it allows us to capture moments that would otherwise pass us by, such as a child’s first steps or a loved one’s graduation. Photography has changed over the years from being only the domain of serious amateurs to being a popular hobby amongst many professionals.

As with all hobbies and sports, new techniques are constantly being discovered and applied, and this results in constant innovation. When experimenting with a new technique, it is always advisable to experiment with low cost equipment to start off with, before upgrading to professional grade equipment, which is expensive. Here we are showcasing ten of the most interesting experimental photography techniques you should try.

1. Light painting

Light painting: this technique involves using a long exposure setting on your camera and using a light source (like a flashlight) to create patterns or images in the darkness.

Light painting is the art of capturing light particles, as they move across an object. This can be done either through the use of strobes and flashes or by exposing the camera in such a way that its shutter speed is set to a very slow rate (usually around 0.01 second). The result is an image whose background is lightened up.

A light painting effect can be used to give an impression of movement to still objects and people. In order to achieve this effect, it is important to keep the subject in motion. For instance, a person walking in front of a wall will create a moving light on the wall.

Light painting refers to creating images by moving light sources around while taking pictures with long exposures (usually several seconds). You can use anything from flashlights and fireworks to glow sticks and sparklers for this technique. Simply move your lighting sources around while taking photos and voila! You’ll get some really cool results. If you want even more control over your light painting shots, try using LED lights or LED strips that come with built-in dimmers (that way you can fade them out gradually rather than having them suddenly disappear).

2. Motion blur

Motion blur is the art of creating a blurry background in an image. To achieve this, use a wide-angle lens that creates a small depth of field. When the subject moves, a blurred background is created.

Motion blur can be used to emphasize the action in a scene or to achieve a dreamy look, as is the case in many Hollywood films. This technique is also perfect for the still life as it makes all the objects stand out in sharp focus.

3. Stop-motion animation

This is a technique used by filmmakers, where a series of images are taken at a very slow rate and then merged together into one single video. Using this technique, you can create a photo sequence of the same person in a few seconds.

For example, if you are photographing a baby, you can take a few photographs in quick succession, and then you will get a very fast moving picture of the baby. This technique is especially useful when it comes to capturing the fleeting moments of childhood.

4. Colorization

Colorization is the process of altering an image to make it look as if the background was made up of the actual colors of the object you are photographing. For instance, a portrait of a person can be converted into a colorized image, making the person look as if he/she was wearing a colorful shirt.

To achieve this, you need to find the color of the clothes worn by your subject, and then you will be able to match it in the image.

5. Exposure stacking

Exposure stacking is a technique where several images are taken, each exposed differently, and then the images are combined to create a final image with the same brightness as the final shot.

The benefit of this technique is that you are able to shoot a shot and, depending on how you compose your subject, you are able to produce a final image with greater details. The exposure stacking technique is a great way to create a portrait of a person. It will allow you to capture the subject in all the detail in their face.

6. 3D printing

3D printing is a technology where a computer model is turned into a physical object. It is used to create models of a variety of objects, from cars to shoes.

With 3D printing, it is possible to create a model of an object, and then you can make it into reality. A 3D printer will allow you to print out any object that you want to own.

7. Time lapse

Time lapse is a technique where you take a series of photographs in a very short period of time and then merge them together to create a video.

For instance, if you take a photo of a sunset, you can take another photo five minutes later and then you will be able to see the sun coming up in the image. This technique is perfect for creating a long exposure time-lapse video.

8. Macro photography

Macro photography is a technique where a photographer is able to get very close to his subject.

For example, you can take a picture of a flower and be able to make out the individual petals. In general, macro photography is a great way to capture images that show detail of a subject.

9. High dynamic range imaging

High dynamic range imaging is a technique where multiple images of a scene are taken in different exposures, allowing the resulting images to have a wider range of brightness than normal.

For example, if you take a photo of a dark object and then take another one that is brighter, the resulting image will be able to include both the bright and dark parts of the image.

10. Stereoscopy

Stereoscopy is the art of producing three-dimensional images.

It is used to make objects look closer to the user. The process involves creating images that show objects on both sides of the screen, thereby giving the viewer the perception of looking through the image itself.

In order to achieve this, you need to make sure that the objects you are photographing are placed on a plane that is parallel to the screen.

11. Stroboscopic Photography

Stroboscopic photography is a technique where a very short burst of light is used to capture an image. The camera shutter remains open for a very short period of time to expose the film or digital sensor, but the flash is fired repeatedly during this time period. The result is that each frame in the final image will have a different number of flashes depending on what part of the exposure it was taken from. This can be used to create interesting effects such as capturing movement or recording light trails.

12. Other Techniques

Plug-in filters – Plug-in filters are simple to use and widely available for many popular photo editing programs. They range from adding lens flare effects to more complex effects like creating watercolor paintings out of your photos!

Shooting in black and white – Black and white photography has been around since the beginning of photography itself. It can be used as an artistic tool or as a way to highlight certain elements of your photo while minimizing others.

Multiple exposures – Multiple exposures allow you to take multiple pictures at once and combine them into one image using software like Photoshop or Lightroom. The possibilities are endless! You can use this technique for everything from shooting through glass windows at night, creating double exposures with people or nature, or just plain fun!

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