Golfpunkgirl knows how to have fun in a dark room!
Liana Joyce, also know as Golfpunkgirl is so Analogue that anything digital quite literally makes her vomit!
For Analogue Masters she explains what Polagrams are all about and how much fun a person can have locked in a dark room with some props, a couple of torches and a pack of Instant film!
Liana – A true Analogue Mistress
In her words:
I first came across the art of Polagrams via a Flickr contact (Zeus_one) and was instantly intrigued by the technique. A quick look through the images on the Polagram Flickr group was all it took to get me inspired to try some out for myself.
Basically, if you understand how instant film works and develops, the rest is all pretty simple. Experimenting with different light sources and different films (Polaroid vs. Fuji) can give varied results so test some out and see which works best for you.
All you need are the following to get started:
Any type of instant film already inside the camera with protective sheet ejected (preferably slow speed film)
A small LED light, (a lighter can work well too) or a flash with a diffuser
Small objects such as flower petals, buttons, coins, keys etc. (get creative!)
Here is a step by step guide on how to achieve Polagram photos:
1. Make sure you’re in complete darkness – VERY IMPORTANT as instant film is ultra sensitive.
2. Remove the whole cartridge of film from the camera.
3. Arrange the objects directly on the surface of the instant film (no need to remove the shot from the cartridge).
4. Quickly flash the film with light.
5. Insert the cartridge back into the camera and let the rollers do their thing.
6. VIOLA! Polagram goodness.
My first go was a disaster of course. I used Polaroid 600 film and a Lomo Coloursplash flash and completely overexposed the photo – it came out completely blank. My second attempt was much better. I used Fuji FP100-C peel apart film, put a homemade diffuser over the flash bulb and allowed the light to bounce off the wall instead of straight on top of the photo. Much better results (golfpunkgirl necklace & golf tees photos + bens film canister) although still over-exposed (black background). My next attempts were much, much better. Ditching the flash, I opted to go for a small LED torch. It was just the right amount of light so as not to overexpose and I got that lovely stoned washed/peach coloured background (pretzels and leaves photos).
What ever you decide to use, always remember that you need to take into account the speed of the film and the amount of light you use to flash the objects… the rest is down to chance. Experiment! 
