P3D Realist Artists Part 1

[markaren@xxxxxxxxx (Karen Obusek)]

Part 1 of a 4 part series dedicated to those who enjoy special effects
photography, primarily 5p format. A special effect is usually created by
hand holding ( or makeshift brackets ) filters in front of the lenses.
Either a second person acting as the holder, or a tripod, or both is
usually necessary. I have experimented with filters extensively, and in
most cases the desired effect is obtained some of the time. Without
looking through the lense ( the viewfinder will not work for star filter
accuracy) the filter placement is estimated and moved around as several
shots are taken to achieve at least one acceptable image. I have made
different holders, used glass and plastic filters, carried tons of stuff
around, and took entirely too long to set up for the shot! 
That is why I add the effect AFTER I have the film processed! I can add
graduated colors, vignetting, color corrections, spot coloring, density
changes when I mount my slides. Here's how.......I purchased an
assortment of colored light gels ( used for stage lighting, very
inexpensive) and place them on my light table.
Using my 35mm SLR set to 1/2 sec ( overexpose approx 2-3 stops) I
arrange the gels to graduate color, layer them in different patterns of
grauation, different color combinations, solid colors etc. I blur the
photo of the gels by using a longer shutter speed, slowly moving the
camera as I fill up the whole frame with the color and making sure the
camera is OUT of focus. The result is a full frame image of graduating
colors! ( usually alot nicer than my photographs:-)) Of course you must
take 2 shots of each gel, closely following the same technique and
distance from the light table. ( it is not crucial that the 2 shots be
identical, I will elaborate later) It is important however that the 5-p
camera is not used to create the gel chips. ( more on this later) 
I'll bet alot of you are cracking your knuckles to prepare to tell me
what I will do with these film gels and why it will not work. I assure
you this technique can be applied to any image, anytime. The key is
understanding what will and will not work and knowing why. Part 2 -
details on gels, how to use them, how to mount them etc. ( Doc T,
perhaps you would like to see a few of these images? )   
                                            Mark Dottle


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