Experimental Analog Photography & LGBTQIA+ Gen-Z / Youth

Voiceover

Presenter(s)

Tyler Russell

Abstract or Description

Generation Z is a unique group of individuals that is growing up in an unnatural time in the course of human history. As a member of Generation Z, I am constantly surrounded by social media and internet addiction, political distress, gun violence, and many other stressful societal factors. An oasis that I have found that has helped me express myself creatively and keep me sane is 35mm analog photography. In this project, I experimented with different 35mm analog photography stocks and alternative processes that I had not tried before. As for my subject matter, I prioritized shooting portraits of individuals who are in Generation Z and identify as LGBTQIA+. Some of the film stocks that I experimented with included Flic-Film 50D, Cinestill 400D, Kodak E100, Kono! Katz, and many more. Prior to developing the film in standard C-41 chemicals, I experimented further by creating “film soup” with many of the rolls. This involved soaking the films in a wide range of solutions ranging from white vinegar, tea, laundry detergent, lemon juice, salt, dish soap, Pepto Bismol, soda, and other household materials that could spark a reaction or a cool effect in the film. Then, I developed the films in exhausted C-41 chemicals in the CU Denver Photography Lab. Finally, the films were dried, cut, scanned into the computer (ironic I know), and placed in archival sleeves for future protection.