See all those pretty “indie” photographs floating around DA? You know, those ones with the shifted and surreal colors? Most of these manipulations are created using a series of photoshop actions to render images exactly as the artist intends… but who knew this technique actually stems from an obscure type of film processing?

Cross-Processing

Cross-Processing, also know as XPRO, is a developing process in which inverse chemicals are used from what is intended for the film. The most common form of xpro is processing color slide film (E-6) as color negative film (C-41). You can also process C-41 as E-6 film but you will need to take special care when making prints because your negatives will, in fact, be slides… although that can yield some really cool negative prints! Just don’t send your Kodachrome (K-12, not E-6) film to the one-hour guys… it’ll ruin their machine.

Why Xpro?

Cross-processing came into vogue in the 1980’s and 90’s for the blown-out colors and highlights, thusly making it very popular in fashion photography. Today, the vivid colors are still attracting new and old photographers to xpro. It’s important to note that many film manufactures such as Kodak, Afga and Fuji do not do any of their own cross-process testing, so you’re in for a surprise when you process your first roll, as each type of film will have different color casts. You can use any type of film camera to shoot with: 35mm, Holgas, toy cameras, etc. Just shoot!

Cross-processing is unpredictable. As a photographer, you will be in for a lot of trial and error, and perhaps some disappointment if what comes back from the lab isn’t what you intended. However, the chance to make something phenomenal keeps people coming back to xpro, it’s like winning the lottery.

A Selection of Prints

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Helpful Links
Film Directory - This is a valuable resource demonstrating the effects of Xpro on the most popular slide films, it's a must-see!
Xpro photo pool

Share Your Shots!
~AnalogPhotographers ~film-photography


Art is about the process as much as the product. Have fun, push yourself in new directions and PHOTO ON!!!