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Try a cross-processing effect
The technique of cross processing has long been popular with film photographers, in particular those shooting fashion portraits who are looking to create images with a distinct visual characteristic. The principle is fairly straightforward and involves deliberately processing film in the wrong chemistry. Slide film users put their films through the C-41 process to obtain negatives and prints, while print film users process their films in E-6 chemistry and end up with a set of slides. The results often show high contrast and unrealistic colours but are unpredictable and vary according to the brand and type of film used and the processing.
This technique can be easily simulated using the Curves function in Photoshop, which allows you to fine-tune the effect you want to achieve in a way that was never possible with film. By setting two anchors on the curve (at the upper and lower thirds of the curve), the contrast of the image can be carefully manipulated to create bright, high-contrast portraits.
HOLLY
Although you can take an existing picture and apply the cross-processed effect to it, it is usually best to shoot with the aim of using this technique. For this fashion portrait, the model was asked to wear a patterned top and apply make-up to her lips and eyes, as the increase in contrast would accentuate these colours. The lighting was kept even and non-directional, as any shadows would block up and highlights burn out once the curve was manipulated. Finally, the subject was set against a light-coloured background that would bleach out in the final result. As is evident from the ‘before’ and ‘after’ images, the cross-processed effect has added considerably to the impact and interest.
Canon EOS-1DS, 28–70mm f/2.8 lens, 1/125 sec at f/4, ISO 100.
Select the curve by choosing Image > Adjustments > Curves from the pop-up menu. Create two anchors by clicking the cursor on the curve one-third of the way from the top and bottom.
By moving the anchors left or right or up and down, you can adjust the contrast and create a cross-processed result.