How to Scratch Polaroid Art

Polaroid photos are created by the light-sensitive development of the photo emulsion that's sandwiched between the layers of the film paper. By applying pressure to the emulsion as it is development, the image can be manipulated and altered to create impressive, miniature works of art. Once popular in the early 1970s, this art form is now enjoying a renaissance.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Polaroid 600 camera
• Polaroid 600 film
• A stylus, bamboo skewer, out-of-ink ballpoint pen

1. Set up an appropriate scene suitable to film manipulation. Use still life with colorful fabric backdrops or consider taking a photo of a photo.

2. Take advantage of diverse medium. Juxtapose nature scenes with the two-dimensional effects of this media. Try different angles and lighting techniques. Experiment with a flash at night.

3. Take the image and separate it from the camera after it ejects. Use a stylus as the image is developing and etch around the object(s) in the image. Use vertical or horizontal lines or cross-hatching to block out certain portions of the image to highlight others.

4. Consider separating the layers of the film to remove parts of the image. Peel away the white foil border on the back of the film at the seams. Pull it away from the black backing. Separate the black back layer and the clear top layer, which have the photo emulsion sandwiched between.

5. Work on the backside of the clear layer with the stylus (or other blunt-end tool) or scraping tool. Highlight or remove portions of the image. Use a wet cotton swab to remove the photo emulsion, which are water soluble.

6. Add to the image with pieces of other photos, paint and images and words from magazines and paints. Think outside the box.

7. Replace the backing over the image to protect it. Seal the edges with tape rather than glue to prevent damage. Frame the image with the black plastic film cartridge. Consider creating a collage of several manipulated images.

Tips & Warnings

• The Polaroid 600 camera is no longer manufactured. Look for one at second hand store, junk shops, camera stores and on eBay. Film is still available.
• Purchase nearly expired and out-of-date film on eBay and on clearance by retailers. Use it for sienna-like and faded effects.