Lifting Polaroids with Chiara Salvi
Polaroid lift is an experimental photographic process that redefines what a photograph can be. In this workshop, you will learn to separate the delicate emulsion layer of an instant photo from its backing and transfer it onto a new surface—such as glass, seashells, wood, or stone. This tactile and unpredictable process allows you to embrace the beauty of transformation and create unique artworks that go beyond traditional printing.
This workshop is led by Chiara Salvi, the founder of Alternative Processes, whose practice prioritizes making, researching, and experimenting. She will challenge you to slow down and observe the subtle dialogues between light, chemistry, and surface, inviting you to engage with your images in a deeply physical way.
Ultimately, this session is about allowing the process itself to guide the outcome. You will be encouraged to embrace unpredictability, turning accidental transformations into an integral part of your creative vision, and taking home a work of art that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Deadline of Applications: August 31st, 2025
Polaroid lift is an experimental photographic process that redefines what a photograph can be. In this workshop, you will learn to separate the delicate emulsion layer of an instant photo from its backing and transfer it onto a new surface—such as glass, seashells, wood, or stone. This tactile and unpredictable process allows you to embrace the beauty of transformation and create unique artworks that go beyond traditional printing.
This workshop is led by Chiara Salvi, the founder of Alternative Processes, whose practice prioritizes making, researching, and experimenting. She will challenge you to slow down and observe the subtle dialogues between light, chemistry, and surface, inviting you to engage with your images in a deeply physical way.
Ultimately, this session is about allowing the process itself to guide the outcome. You will be encouraged to embrace unpredictability, turning accidental transformations into an integral part of your creative vision, and taking home a work of art that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Deadline of Applications: August 31st, 2025
Polaroid lift is an experimental photographic process that redefines what a photograph can be. In this workshop, you will learn to separate the delicate emulsion layer of an instant photo from its backing and transfer it onto a new surface—such as glass, seashells, wood, or stone. This tactile and unpredictable process allows you to embrace the beauty of transformation and create unique artworks that go beyond traditional printing.
This workshop is led by Chiara Salvi, the founder of Alternative Processes, whose practice prioritizes making, researching, and experimenting. She will challenge you to slow down and observe the subtle dialogues between light, chemistry, and surface, inviting you to engage with your images in a deeply physical way.
Ultimately, this session is about allowing the process itself to guide the outcome. You will be encouraged to embrace unpredictability, turning accidental transformations into an integral part of your creative vision, and taking home a work of art that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Deadline of Applications: August 31st, 2025
Lifting Polaroids with Andie Riekstina
Objectives and Benefits
Master the Polaroid Lift Process: Learn the Polaroid Lift process step-by-step, from initial preparation and photography to the delicate transfer of the emulsion layer.
Create Unique Artworks: Take home 2-3 unique Polaroid lift artworks, each with its own unpredictable texture and character, on a surface of your choosing.
Explore a New Medium: Gain a deeper understanding of alternative photographic processes and how to use them as a tool for creative expression.
Target Participants
This workshop is ideal for beginners to intermediate photographers, artists, and mixed-media enthusiasts who are interested in experimental and tactile photographic processes. No prior darkroom or instant film experience is required. The class size is limited to 6-8 participants.
Language of Instruction
The main language of instruction for this workshop is English, but the mentor can also speak Italian. Participants are welcome to use AI translation tools (such as Google Translate) to assist them with communication during the session.
Schedule
This workshop will be held during the Ephemere Photo Fest.
Date: Friday, October 10th
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The session is scheduled for two hours and includes an open-ended Q&A session at the conclusion.
Workshop Fees
The workshop fee is $35 (or ¥5,000) per participant.
Application and Refund Policy:
Application Deadline: Applications for this workshop will be accepted until August 31st.
Payment & Selection: Your application is considered complete upon receipt of the full payment. In the event we receive more applications than available spots, we will conduct a selection process. If your application is not selected, you will receive a 100% refund.
Cancellations (for selected participants):
Cancellations made one month or more before the workshop date will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made less than one month before the workshop date are non-refundable.
Required Equipment & Materials
All necessary materials, including a Polaroid camera and film, will be provided by the mentor. We strongly encourage participants to bring their own suitable surfaces (e.g., paper, wood, rocks, shells, glass) on which to transfer the emulsion.
Workshop Overview
Pre-Workshop: All applications and payments must be submitted by the deadline of August 31st. Participants should come prepared with a brief project idea or theme they wish to explore.
During the Workshop: The session begins with a brief introduction to the Polaroid Lift concept and a photo walk to take images. The main workshop then begins with a demonstration from Chiara on the transfer process. Each participant will then perform 2-3 Polaroid lifts with personalized guidance.
Post-Workshop: There is a potential opportunity for participants to present and display their work created during the workshop at the Ephemere Photo Fest. This will be subject to the availability of the participants and the flow of the festival's public programming.
About the Mentor: Chiara Salvi
Process & Practice: Chiara Salvi is a process-led artist whose practice prioritizes making, researching, and experimenting over the final outcome. Her work emerges from a deep engagement with materials and techniques, embracing unpredictability and allowing the process itself to guide the creation.
Teaching & Experience: As the founder of Alternative Processes, a global learning and research hub, Chiara is passionate about sharing her knowledge through teaching, research, and educational programs. She has extensive experience in historical techniques such as cyanotypes, anthotypes, and chemigrams.
Global Community Building: Chiara is dedicated to fostering a worldwide community for experimental photography. She actively builds connections through her platform, curating exhibitions and educational programs that celebrate historical, experimental, and sustainable photography.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need further information before submitting your application, please feel free to email us at workshops@ephemere.tokyo.
Images from Chiara Salvi / Alternative Processes
