Polaroid image transfer and emulsion transfer are two very different techniques.

With each technique, I am making a Polaroid enlargment of a 35mm color slide using what is essentially a “mini enlarger” called a Daylab. Depending on how I want the image to look, I will either allow the Polaroid to fully develop (for the emulsion transfer) or I will allow it to develop for between 15 and 20 seconds, then pull it apart and finish its development on wet watercolor paper (for image transfer).

The resulting images are very different. An image transfer has a very soft, painterly look, whereas the emulsion transfer can be placed on anything from a brown paper lunch bag to glass or stone; it can be stretched or distorted, torn, draped… the possibilities for manipulation are endless.

I love them both.

Check out these images of some of my emulsion transfers and image transfers.

I also offer classes in Polaroid transfer.