Creating Light Leaks the Analogue Way

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When we talk about Lomography, the first thing that comes to mind is the stunning color of the image created. Also, don't forget the vignette, lens flare, and light leaks. These are all significant features of the unpredictable lo-fi images. So how do you create light leaks using the simple way - the analogue way?

Credits: ineffable_ice

What you need

A 35 mm film camera with film loaded, and that’s it.

Step-by-Step

  1. First, you take your shots as you usually do and rewind it after you've finished the roll.
  2. Halfway through the process, stop rewinding and open the camera back as quickly as you can and then close it. What you just did will have created red or orange leaks as the film was exposed from behind.
  3. Then you can continue to rewind the roll till the end and develop it.

By doing so, the light leaks created are very unpredictable, which is one of the reasons why we love Lomography. It will certainly add some spice to our photos. Many people are concerned about losing your shots by doing so. You may lose 1 or 2 shots but that's something you have to bear with. Do not open the camera back too wide; a little bit is more than enough to burn your film.

The reason behind opening the camera back when rewinding but not when you’re shooting is because you don’t want to mess up the frame counter. Every time you open the camera back, the frame counter will jump back to 'S' and you won’t know how many shots you have left.

Credits: ineffable_ice

Also, try to experiment with it on different frames of film that have been shot. Take notes in your journal if you really want to be serious in creating light leaks for your shots. Have fun!

Some Light-Leaked Photos for Your Inspiration

Credits: anarchy, slivinskaja_, dbyremus15, marant69, specialblewah, renaishashin, ginnys & oykuoge

Light leaks can add extra charm to your photos! Load up on film and experiment by creating light leaks with your favorite 35 mm camera. Head over to our online shop or one of our worldwide gallery stores to stock up on film! Don't forget to share your best shots on your LomoHome or social media with the hashtag #heylomography.

written by ineffable_ice on 2013-12-22 #gear #tutorials #35mm #experimental #camera #light-leaks #tipster #simple #unpredictable #inexpensive

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7 Comments

  1. lomographersayak
    lomographersayak ·

    this is great i think i will try this very soon

  2. ineffable_ice
    ineffable_ice ·

    @lomographersayak, good luck !

  3. socratako
    socratako ·

    thanks a lot for the article, I already tried it with my kodak retinette 1a, and it worked great, loved the result. I was wondering... Can I do this on my Olympus mju? The camera has automatic rewind. I don't know what happens if you open the back while it's rewinding automatically. I would really appreciate some help. Thanks a lot!

  4. brittybritty
    brittybritty ·

    I can't wit to try this! I'm wondering the same thing the person above- how can we do this on cameras that have an automatic rewind? Couldn't that damage the camera?

  5. sarthakraina
    sarthakraina ·

    Wouldn't recommend opening the back during auto-rewind. This should be tried when you are doing a manual rewind. There will be an option in the camera to do a manual rewind.

  6. bvttle
    bvttle ·

    Is it a good or bad idea to be opening the back a few times while rewinding to get leaks across the whole roll?

  7. ineffable_ice
    ineffable_ice ·

    @bvttle I think too much of exposure might ruin the picture.

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