Altered States - Alternative Image Making

20114328
Nov 18, 2021
2 min read

On Thursday, we explored a few different methods of alternative image making. We tried slow shutter speeds, back projection and an overhead projector.

I worked within a group, rotating around the room to try different methods throughout the day.

For the slow shutter speed pictures, the camera's shutter speed was set to BULB- this allowed us to keep the shutter open while our finger was pressing the button, and close again when we let go. We decided that we wanted to try light painting and creating a ghostly effect. We used the two Sonic Screwdriver props that Arren brought in for the light painting - we very quickly determined that while the effect was good under low light (0701 and 0703), it would look much better without any other light sources (0722).

For the ghostly effect, the group I was in came up with roughly the same inspiration. Even though trying for simple ghosts was an interesting concept (0718), we all thought that it would be very fun and challenging to attempt to recreate a similar effect to the Astral Forms from the movie Doctor Strange.

Above: Screenshot from

Doctor Strange. 2016. [Film]. Scott Derrickson. dir. USA: Marvel Studios.

We tried again and again to create this effect but didn't quite manage what we were going for. However, we did create a number of interesting shots in the process.

For the back projection, we projected images onto a white wall and positioned the tripod and subject in such a manner that the projected image appeared in the background. The shots done in this manner that were my idea are 0840 to 0847. I would have done many more, but I went last and ran out of time. During the set up, we realised we could project onto a subject this way as well for different effects. (0745 - 0752, 0767 - 0771, 0794 - 0832)

For the overhead projection, we arranged sheets of acetate, coloured filters and random objects to create fun patterns and compositions. Images 0850 to 0853 used an image on acetate with filters underneath. The circle appearing in images 0854 to 0864 is actually a roll of masking tape.

These are the contact sheets from the day.