Xpro : 2X : XA

Cross processing, double exposed, using a little clamshell Olympus XA.

The cross processing produces lovely globular grain, with detail in some areas, and not much in others. It’s unpredictable. To add to this delicious sense of going awol, remove the roll of film when it’s not been quite wound back into the canister, and reload. Better still, swop an exposed film with with a friend.

The best results come from combinations involving lots of detail and not much sky, unless it’s got a lot of patterned cloud. Pattern upon pattern is good, and because the film’s going through twice, you can afford to underexpose a bit, but the whole point is play. Don’t think about it too much: just shoot.

If you’d like to do an exposed film gift or exchange, please let me know. I’ve just bought a big stash of suitable film, and compact cameras like the XA are a very few pounds: I sold one on Ebay earlier in the year for £5. When I get a gallery application running properly over at brendaburrell.com, I’ll publish the results of some collaborations so far.

It’s a great escape from the exactingness of studio work and lighting nerdery. Freedom!

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