Friday, April 24, 2009

Altered Photos


I really like playing around with vintage photos. This technique is really quite simple, but will only work with photos processed by Snapfish. I tried other photo processing companies, and it won't work. The emulsion will not soften with other companies. You simply immerse your photo into warm water for a couple of minutes, slightly dry, and etch the surface with an awl. You can scratch it with a Scotch scrubbing pad, or put things underneath and rub your image to create. I used watercolor pencils to add colors to the surface for this one. The possibilities are endless!


The photo below was originally orange, and then I color enhanced it in Photoshop. Originally, I was fortunate enough to be able to take a class taught by Nellie Wortman of "Early Morning Thoughts." She happily showed us some of the techniques described in an exciting book by Karen Michel called "The Complete Guide to Altered Imagery." Another really great book called "Mixed Emulsions" by Angela Cartwright will also rock your world.


Here's to taking your photo passions to a new level of discovery!

10 comments:

Terri said...

Way cool Nancy!

Shari said...

Good Morning! I love, love, love these. Question for you, do you scan your vintage photos and then send them to snapfish to process?? I never though to actually have photos made from my vintage images. Imagine that a photo of a photo kind of thingy :)
-your new friend, shari

Her Art Nest said...

Hi Shari, Yes, I scanned the image. Sometimes the largest you can get is a 4" X 6", because most of the images from the internet are not that great unless you have an actual photo that is top quality. Then I send the digital image to Snapfish. The coolest part is when you finally do the artwork on your photo, re-scan it, make some layers, and you can photo enhance even those images with really awesome effects. I have even used a bleach pen (Clorox) on a photo, and altered it WITH additional etching. You have to work extremely fast with the bleach because it goes to work instantly. You will love making these! ~Nan

Willnnabel said...

Very cool Nancy. Okay my word verification to type in is "dozing". I think it's trying to tell me something?

Her Art Nest said...

The last one I got was "fatios." Lovely.....

Coralie Cederna Johnson said...

These reworked photos are simply wonderful and amazing! I just LOVE them!

JASA said...

AWESOME!!!

Shari said...

You are a very clever woman Nan!!! I am lucky to have you as a mentor---you have so many talents and you explain things so well. Thanks :)
-hugs, shari

Unknown said...

Nancy these are just so amazing! I love the way you alter your photos.

I appreciate all your comments they make my day:)

Sending you a big HUG!!!!
Becky

Rusted Wings said...

love these techniques!! Beautiful work!
blessings,
abigail