All Aboard Boy – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – “Faded Monochrome”
I love the results of my Faded Color recipe, so creating a Faded Monochrome recipe was a natural next step. This film simulation recipe requires the use of the double-exposure feature of the camera. The first exposure is a normal photo, and the second exposure is of something plain white. I’ve tried different things, but for me a 4″ x 6″ plain white index card works well. No need for the second exposure to be in focus. It’s a simple idea that I wish I had thought of earlier. I think I’ve just scratched the surface of what can be created using this technique.
In film photography, you could achieve a similar look by printing with a low-contrast filter. You could also develop the film for low contrast by adjusting any number of things in the lab. You might also get this look by accident if you reused the fixer one too many times. Sometimes underexposed pushed-processed film has a very similar aesthetic. It’s possible for negatives to fade over time, especially if not stored correctly, and that, too, might create a similar look. While “faded” is in the title of this recipe, the look isn’t so much faded as it is low-contrast with “milky” blacks. It works especially well for high-contrast scenes.
Morning Coffee – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T30 – “Faded Monochrome”
To use this recipe, you will create two exposures using the double-exposure feature of your camera. The first exposure is the main image, and the second exposure is of something plain white, such as a 4″ x 6″ plain white index card. There is no need for the second exposure to be in focus. The exposure compensation for the second exposure can vary greatly depending on how bright the white is and how you want the picture to look. You will have to play around with it to figure out what works for you. The good news is that your camera will give you a preview of the finished image and will allow do-overs.
Acros (Acros+Y, Acros+R, Acros+G)
Dynamic Range: DR100
Highlight: +4
Shadow: +4
Noise Reduction: -4
Sharpening: +2
Grain Effect: Strong
Color Chrome Effect: Strong
Toning: 0 (Neutral)
ISO: Auto up to ISO 12800
Exposure Compensation: +1/3 to +1 (main exposure), 0 to -2 (second exposure)
Example photographs, all camera-made JPEGs using my Faded Monochrome recipe on a Fujifilm X-T30:
Grey Rose – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Grey Lake – East Canyon SP, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Lake Boat – Willard Bay SP, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Tree Limbs – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Well – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Don’t Give – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Urban Escape – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Big Brick Buildings – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Center Reflection – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Urbanscape Monochrome – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Less Is More – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Urban Leaves – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Small Flower In The Big City – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Park Bench – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Joshua Monochrome – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Happy Girl – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Children On A Park Slide – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Instax Photographer – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Joy In The City – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Bank Time – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Water On The Glass – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Club – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Stepping By – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Vibes – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Quiet – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Urban Cloud – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Angles & Lines – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Utah Artist – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Treading Lightly – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Marlboro Man – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Come Inside – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Mono Chrome – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Stop In Ogden – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
UTA Station – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Train Ride Abstract – Kaysville, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Empty Train Seats – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Train Passenger – Roy, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Passenger Window – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Train 19 – Farmington, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
UTA 19 – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Train Host – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Hungry Traveler – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Caboose Steps Monochrome – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Caboose Display – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Industrial Sunlight – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
Ladder Climb – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm X-T30
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I love this. Fantastic use of the double-exposure idea.
Thanks!
Well cool idea, love the photos!
Thanks!
Love it! Now, do you carry that index card with you and shoot it every time after the first? Too bad there wasn’t a way to select an “already taken shot” and then blend. But I certainly get the technique!
Just a word: Your recipes have really changed the way I view JPGs (but only with the Fuji, of course LOL!) and use them. I’ve started with your Vintage Kodachrome and then adjusted to my liking. Lately, I’ve started shooting a lot of my reportage in JPG. Saves files space and the JPGs themselves still have a lot of info to play around with in Lightroom (if needed).
All this to say, thank you for your inspiration and shared creativity!
I appreciate your feedback and kind words! I do carry an index card when I use this recipe (and Faded Color). You have to be dedicated to the technique when using this recipe, unfortunately there’s no way around it, but the results are great. Glad you found the blog beneficial. Take care!
Dear Ritchie,
I need to thank You so much for your blog, you literally changed my photo style with your receipts.
A strong Hug form Venice, Italy.
Stay healthy and keep to be strong.
Mirco
Thank you so much, I appreciate your kind words!