Collodion Negative, Inspired by Early Photography

Classic Negative film simulation recipe inspired by early Collodion photography processes

This nostalgic film recipe is a sister to the Collodion Color film recipe, in that it is inspired by the same early photographic processes. It captures a muted tone look with extreme softness, in a nod to the earliest equipment and results from experiemental color photo processing.

The main reason for this second recipe is to give users without Eterna Bleach Bypass a chance to experiement with the same vibe. This recipe uses Classic Negative simulation, which if you don’t have, you could swap for Pro Neg Standard instead.

The main element here remains the strong -5 clarity setting, which adds a dreamy softness to images, and is especially impactful in out of focus areas, adding a hazy bokeh feel. This setting is one that many people dislike because of the processing delay, but it is a key element in the look, so do keep it if you can be patient between shots.

The resulting images are nostalgic, soft and have a muted tone. The recipe works well in soft light and the golden hour, and with the softness in out of focus areas, is a great one to try with macro subjects or abrstrat or detail shots. The look is simiar to Collodion Color, which inspired this recipe, so feel free to use either, and have some fun.

Inspired by early photography, the Collodion Negative film recipe

Collodion Negative Film Recipe

  • Simulation: Classic Negative
  • Grain Effect: Off
  • Colour Chrome Effect: Strong
  • Colour Chrome Blue: Strong (IV) / Weak (V)
  • White Balance: 6400K
  • WB Shift: 0 Red, +3 Blue
  • Dynamic Range: DR200
  • Highlights: +1.0
  • Shadows: -2.0
  • Color: -4
  • Sharpness: 0
  • ISO Noise Reduction: -4
  • Clarity: -5
  • EV compensation: -1/3

Compare this to the Collodion Color film recipe, and use the one you like the best.

A January sunrise, captured with the Collodion Negative film recipe
Soft and creamy tones on winter teasels, with Collodion Negative film recipe
A sunny day with early buds beginning to form. Collodion Negative film recipe
Tiny bud against the blue winter sky. Collodion Negative film recipe
A muted vintage look for summer daisies, with Collodion Negative film recipe
Full sunset mood on a winter fern, Collodion Negative film recipe
Up close with a winter fern, using Collodion Negative film recipe
A summer poppy in bright sunlight, Collodion Negative film recipe
Scenes from Crab Wood in mid summer, using Collodion Negative film recipe
Forest details with a macro adapter, Collodion Negative film recipe
Try it at sunrise or sunset. Collodion Negative film recipe
Collodion Negative is a great choice for golden hour

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