Monday March 5, 2007
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The Making of Hot Cars and Fast Women

I like to keep things fresh at Art Rogue. Experimenting with different techniques, mediums, and subject matter is a sure way to change things up a bit.

For my March opening I wanted to create a photography series that was colorful, graphic, and shall I say sexy. The result was the series that I call Hot Cars and Fast Women .

Overview and Set Up

For the first time in years I broke out my old 35mm film camera since I wanted to do multiple exposures on slide film that I would have cross processed at the photo lab. I picked up an expired roll of 100 speed Kodak slide film for the extra element of surprise.

Next I set the camera’s ISO to 25 because cross processing requires extra exposure to the film. Then I strapped up my boots and went on a good hike around downtown Nashville to find store front window displays that had fashion elements, mannequins, and toy cars.

Multiple Exposures

I set the camera’s multiple exposure function to allow 3-4 shots per frame of film. I would find graphic elements like buildings, signs, fabrics, etc as a base for the fist couple of shutter releases. Next I would take the main subject, usually a mannequin or car, and expose for the final shot before the camera advances to the next frame of film. For each shutter release you have to dial down a few stops to compensate for the multiple exposures to create a balanced image. With each shot you have to remember what you photographed previously, arranging the image in your head and camera. I could have done this in Photoshop, but it wouldn’t have been as cool or as fun.

Cross Processing the Film

When all frames were exposed I rewound the film and headed to the photo lab to have it processed. Since I shot slide film, which is normally processed in E-6 chemicals, I had to specifically ask the lab to process the film in C-41 print film chemicals. This tweeks the colors resulting in some strange and wonderful results. Each film type and brand gives different colors and characteristics when cross processed. A lab will sometimes charge more for cross processing, but the nice people at Wolf Camera in Nashville charged the standard processing rate. I think it was around $5.

Scanning, Editing, and Retouching

Next I pulled out the old light table and loupe and began picking which images I liked. I plugged in my old film scanner and began to scan away. Once I had all my images scanned it was time to do some serious dust and scratch removal and retouching in Photoshop. With a little bit of research I found a new technique that I will discuss at a later time.

Since I spent so much time on dust and scratch removal I wanted to as little Photoshop work as possible. So most images were adjusted with slight contrast and color enhancement. Then I cropped the photos to my standard square and rectangle ratios.

Printing and Framing

All the photos were printed using my Epson 2200 printer on Enhanced Matte and Velvet Fine Art paper. They looked great. Next I matted and framed each piece with my favorite classic/contemporary Studio Moulding Frame and Crescent Rag white mat combination.

Installation and Lighting

I am usually down to the wire with my shows and this exhibition was no exception. I arranged the photos in a visually pleasing order on the floor first. When I was happy with the flow and rhythm I measured to the right height with consistent spacing between each piece and began to hang the pictures.

With the pictures on the wall it was time to adjust the lighting and title each piece with a clear label.

Tap Keg, Drink Beer, and Relax for the Onslaught of People

The final part of the process before the show is to ice and tap the keg. This step is critical and can not be overlooked. With a beer under my belt it was time to relax for a few and wait for the people to show up for another successful show.

View Hot Cars and Fast Women