Generation Z is a unique group of individuals that is growing up in an unnatural time in the course of human history. As a member of Generation Z, I am constantly surrounded by social media and internet addiction, political distress, gun violence, and many other stressful societal factors. An oasis that I have found that has helped me express myself creatively and keep me sane is 35mm analog photography. In this project, I experimented with different 35mm analog photography stocks and alternative processes that I had not tried before. As for my subject matter, I prioritized shooting portraits of individuals who are in Generation Z and identify as LGBTQIA+. Some of the film stocks that I experimented with included Flic-Film 50D, Cinestill 400D, Kodak E100, Kono! Katz, and many more. Prior to developing the film in standard C-41 chemicals, I experimented further by creating “film soup” with many of the rolls. This involved soaking the films in a wide range of solutions ranging from white vinegar, tea, laundry detergent, lemon juice, salt, dish soap, Pepto Bismol, soda, and other household materials that could spark a reaction or a cool effect in the film. Then, I developed the films in exhausted C-41 chemicals in the CU Denver Photography Lab. Finally, the films were dried, cut, scanned into the computer (ironic I know), and placed in archival sleeves for future protection.
This project began in December of 2022 and concluded at the end of the Spring semester in 2023. This project was made possible through the EURēCA! Creative Freedom Photography Research Grant through the University of Colorado, Denver.
