How to Create Psychedelic Polaroid Images Using Lens Filters by Julia Beyer

Written by Julia Beyer

Taking photos on Polaroid film can sometimes be a challenge in itself, as the film and the outcome are affected by a lot of outside factors, like temperature, light, the camera, and film.

I, therefore, still consider it an experimental medium most of the time – and that’s what I love about it so much. You can get amazing results with expired film, or sometimes no results at all, for example.

But if you are up for taking your Polaroid photography up a notch, you should try using lens filters. I think the most common question I am asked about my photography is how these surreal and psychedelic effects in my Polaroids come about, so here you are! Here’s a look at the different filters I use and some tips for using them. You can also check out this article where I used filters with the new Polaroid I-2 camera.

But actually, it’s not such a big secret, and I could summarize it in one sentence: If you have an object that is see-through and refracts or alters the light in any way, you should try to use it as a filter. At least this is my approach when I experiment with new filters, and it is a very fun, trial-and-error process most of the time.

Using Filters Made Specifically for Photography

Even though I’ll use many different things as a filter, I surely also love to use special photography filters. My favorite is the colored kaleidoscope filter by Prism Lens FX – they have an amazing selection, but they are relatively expensive.

The filters are meant to be screwed on a lens, but as the Polaroid lenses are tiny, I use them handheld. This way you can also turn or tilt them and play around with the different effects.

Another company that produces great filters is Fractal Filters. They currently only have a set of three for sale, but they’re also quite expensive, and they look quite quirky with the bulky handle that resembles a knuckle duster.

Their ‘Julia’ filter is one of my favorites, and I’ve used it for many shoots. Like these, for example:

And last but not least, there is Spektrem Effects. Their filters are the most affordable choice when buying a ready-made filter, and they have some very interesting options.

Using Polaroid Filters

A really good way to use filters is to combine the Polaroid Spectra special effects filters (find on eBay) with the Polaroid SX-70 accessory holder (find on eBay).

They fit perfectly together, and you don’t need to hold the filter in front of the lens with your hand since the accessory holder is plugged into the flash slot of your SX-70 – but this also means that it doesn’t work with Sonar models or the SLR680. In this case, you need to use them handheld again.

There are also two more really good and dedicated Polaroid filter sets by Mint Camera and Retrograde Engineering’s eBay store, but they offer less flexibility and also produce less dramatic results – which is great if this is what you are looking for.

Using DIY Filters

But what I actually find most interesting is looking for and using DIY filters.

As already said, you can basically use anything as a filter, and I encourage you to experiment and try out everything that comes to your mind.

Some examples that have proven as useful and creative tools for me are:

The crystal pendant from a chandelier (find prisms on Amazon):

The lens from a kid’s toy:

A self-made mirror filter, made by taping three small mirrors together with duct tape to form a triangle – following the initial idea from fashion photographer Lindsay Adler:

Color gels, used single or sometimes cut up and taped together to create color transitions (find on Amazon):

Holga filters (find on eBay):

You can also combine filters, like color gels with prism filters – there are hardly any boundaries.

Certainly, all of the above does not only apply for Polaroid photography but also for other film photography, but the surreal filter effects combined with the dreaminess of Polaroid film is always something special for me.

Top 6 Tips for Shooting with Filters:

1. Use an SLR

Use an SLR like an SX-70 or SLR680 if you can. When you look through the viewfinder on an SLR camera, you will see exactly what the lens sees and what your final image will be. Otherwise, you have to guess the effect you are getting and have near to zero control over the final image.

2. Don’t Cover the Light Meter

It sounds like a no-brainer, but make sure before every shot you take that you are not covering the light meter with the hand you are holding the filter with.

3. Place Colored Filters Over the Light Meter

If you are using a colored filter, try to also cover the light meter with the filter. This will help you get the correct exposure when using the filter.

4. Simple is Better

Prism-like filters work best if the motif is rather simple, so it works well for single portraits but not that well for busy scenes (e.g. group shots, leaves in a tree, etc.).

5. Shoot Into the Sun

Don’t be afraid to shoot directly into the sun or any other direct light source when using prism filters, as this sometimes produces the most interesting results.

6. Secure Your Filters

You can also secure your filters with reusable glue pads, like Patafix, on the front plate of the camera. This is especially helpful when you are using more than one filter at once.

Thank you so much, Julia! You can find more of Julia’s work on her website and Instagram.

Leave your questions about using lens filters with your Polaroid cameras below in the comments!

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