a sample of nail polish photography
click image to see larger
Thanks to the premiere issue of Traci Bunkers' artzine,
Tub Legs, I learned about putting
nail polish on my camera lens.
Of course, since most budget camera lenses are plastic, there is no way to remove the nail
polish once you've applied it. So, you may want to experiment with this technique using
cheap or disposable cameras. I used a Smena 35 mm, picked up cheap at eBay.
In my case, I applied enough clear nail polish so that it was thick and self-leveling. (If you want
more details on the process, send for Traci's zine, linked above.)
What I learned from my first photos is that it's best to take pictures where there
is a lot of good sharp contrast, and/or defined areas of color.
Since I was out "ghost hunting," I took these photos at a nearby cemetery. You can click on any image to
see it larger:
Some people have asked why I don't just blur the photo by adjusting the lens. Or using "Blur"
in Photoshop. Well, the nail polish images come out softer. And, I like the lack
of control, and the mystery that goes with this process. It's just Dada enough to suit me, you know?
So, those are my first results. I'll bet that there are other ways to experiment with
the camera lens as well.
For example, you can apply Vaseline to the lens, the classic way to
film aging Hollywood stars. (In even earlier versions, some filmed through very thin
cheesecloth or voile.) Or, you could experiment with colored nail polish, or polish with
translucent holographic bits. Or...?
If you find a great technique, let me know.
