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Looking Back: The Best of Reclaimed Blue
As Reclaimed Blue film comes to an end, we take a look back at just how experimental it really was.
For us, it was a perfect example of that sweet spot between art and science. While Brian didn’t improve our existing film this time with this specific experiment, he did manage to invent a whole new film all together. That’s the true beauty of experiments. Just when you think you’re heading in one direction, you might suddenly be surprised by another (sometimes better…definitely in this case) outcome. And the best part is that we got to take this experiment to the next level.
So as we (Brian) had inadvertently discovered this new kind of film chemistry, we needed creators to help figure how best to shoot with it: cue a series of adventurous and experimental photographers who pushed Reclaimed Blue it to its limits: Landscapes. Portraits. Dramatic shots. Abstract. Downright weird. No creative stone was unturned, and we're happy to show you the best of the experiments with Felicita Russo, Bret Watkins and creative collaboration, the 12:12 Project.
Felicita Russo x Reclaimed Blue
@felicitarusso is a photographer and environmental scientist, with a degree and doctorate in physics. In her photographic work, she predominantly uses light painting to explore and better understand light itself.
“I found the film very interesting. Although the result resembles techniques elaborated experimentally by well-known artists, the feature that I like best is the use of materials recovered from the manufacturing processes. And this aspect, very important to me as an environmental scientist, inspired most of the images I created.”
“Since I thought it was important to underline the recycled aspect of the films, I concentrated more on the message than on the type of technique, preferring, as usual, the light painting technique, in its various expressions.”
“Experimenting with this film was a challenge, since I'm not used to working in singular colors, but when I discovered that there was a type of teal hidden among the shades of blue, I concentrated on bringing that color out. I also found this film to be slightly less sensitive to light than color film.”
Bret Watkins x Reclaimed Blue
Bret Watkins (@intothepolaroid) is an LA-based cinematographer, Polaroid photographer, and self-proclaimed ‘embroideroidist’. His photographic work is often centered around the cinematic and the dreamy, and how capturing moments in time encourages us to be truly present.
“I absolutely love the Reclaimed Blue film both as a concept and a new film stock. The contrast is phenomenal, the blue/teal color is so dreamy and watching the film develop for the first time was mind blowing.”
“Experimenting with the film was so much fun! It brought me back to the days when I first started shooting Polaroid. I wasn’t sure what the outcome would be as I anxiously watched the film develop before my eyes.”
From Felicita's scientific curiosity to play with light and Bret's artistic endeavors drawing on the dreamy blue effects - we can already see how Reclaimed Blue was taken in totally different directions. No need to hit the brakes just yet -there’s plenty more to see as we dive into The 12:12 Project.
The 12:12 Project x Reclaimed Blue
The 12:12 Project is a 12-month collaboration with 24 diverse artists from around the world, all who share a passion for instant photography. This special initiative was established by Penny Felts Colbert back in 2013 with a brilliant concept in mind: to have a group of diverse artists interpret a common theme. So every month they set out to capture a new theme to push creative boundaries and earlier in April, it was all about Reclaimed Blue.
Ina Echternach (@iamina) combined the analog and artificial, labbing AI-generated images on Reclaimed Blue before combining them in an emulsion lift to create this collage. The blue hue and flowing texture, along with her underwater theme, make us feel as though we've been transported to the deepest depths of the ocean.
Julia Beyer’s (@juliabeyer) shot titled “Feeling Blue” already speaks volumes just through the name. She managed to capture a double exposure shot that perfectly exudes a more somber, expressive mood with the use of blue.
Maija Karisma’s (@maijakarisma) created a multiple exposure shot, fusing textures and shapes she captured a surreal ambiance that is hypnotically wild. With the addition of the Reclaimed Blue, the photograph takes on a whole new level of otherworldly beauty.
That’s a wrap on Reclaimed Blue
It didn’t get more experimental than the Blue 600 Film - Reclaimed Edition. When we put our community up for the challenge, we (including Brian) had no idea where creative freedom would take it. From evoking a moody, deep blue to starting daring experimental processes, Reclaimed Blue breathed life into every frame and, it turns out it looks pretty epic with all types of photography. While the experiment may have reached its conclusion, you can follow the journeys of @felicitarusso, @intothepolaroid, @the12:12project, and of course, us, to stay inspired.