A few months ago, I fell down a rabbit hole researching experimental and creative photography. I was looking for something new to try with my 35mm film camera when I stumbled upon this article and video by Amy Elizabeth at Shoot It With Film about exposing both sides of the film (EBS). I was awestruck at the beauty within that article. The images were absolute magic! Also, I was completely intimidated by the entire technique, but couldn’t stop thinking about the creative process. The article and video were incredibly helpful. I didn’t own a film changing bag at the time, but wound up buying this one before I left for a whirlwind trip to Chicago. I packed a cherished roll of 35mm Lomography Turquoise with me, along with a good deal of courage to take some risks where film is concerned. I wanted to push myself beyond my comfort zone. I wanted to try to blend my love of street photography with my love of film and add in a little serendipity…an experimental element. I appreciate that there is, to some degree, a loss of control with this process. I believe that’s part of the magic and part of the joy! I knew I’d be shooting in Chicago and that I wanted to focus primarily on the CTA train lines near the Loop. I began shortly after I arrived in the city that afternoon.
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The first side of the roll was shot entirely on train platforms around the Loop.
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After I finished shooting the first side of the film, I walked over to Millennium Park to rewind the film and begin the process of cutting, taping, & reloading it onto the empty film canisters. I wound up buying a batch of empty 35mm film canisters on Etsy before I left for the trip. This was my setup:
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It was at this moment that I panicked, cut my finger inside the film bag, bled a little, cursed a little, very carefully pulled my hands out of the bag to re-watch Amy’s video, found my courage, and ultimately persevered! I was hot mess, but a determined hot mess! By this time, the sun was beginning to set and the most beautiful golden light was shining. I wandered Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park shooting the second (redscale) side of the film.
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/Laura-Yurs-5.jpg?resize=970%2C643&ssl=1)
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I was both elated and anxious when I finished. I had the MOST fun shooting this roll and trying this process! And also, I felt nervous that I might have messed everything up and wasted a priceless role of Lomo Turquoise. I’m SO happy I took the risk.
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/Laura-Yurs-9-1.jpg?resize=970%2C643&ssl=1)
When I arrived back home, I emailed Amy and shipped the film off to her lab to be developed. I can’t say enough good things about her and Film Lab 135! If you’re looking to have 35mm film developed (to include souped and experimental film), she’s wonderful!
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/Laura-Yurs-12.jpg?resize=970%2C643&ssl=1)
I’m thrilled with the images! They capture everything I love about street photography and are all rolled up into these gorgeous turquoise and golden tones! I can’t wait to try again. Definitely a risk worth taking!
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Wow. These are absolutely gorgeous. I love your creative spirit!
They are pure magic!
I feel your enthusiasm rendered on the film, and you are a source of perpetual inspiration.
I love this so much, Laura.
These are absolutely wonderful!
How you inspire! Thank you so much for sharing these. And I can’t wait to see what you get up to next. x