What is a film swap?

A film swap is when two people shoot the same roll of film to create combined images (or double exposures.) The first person shoots the film, then rewinds it and gives it to the second person, who will shoot the same roll of film again, creating images over the top of the first layer.

Film swaps are always a lot of fun and they are a great way to connect with others in the analogue community. Over the years many Lomographers have teamed up for film swaps, sending film back and forth to each other and creating incredible double exposures.

Photos courtesy of makethisadouble – an international Lomography film swap.

The results can be hit and miss (after all you have no idea about the photos your partner is taking) but sometimes you will end up with real winners. You’ll soon be hooked on the process of collaborating with fellow film enthusiasts of creating magical double exposures together.

We recommend marking your film with a permanent pen so your partner knows where to begin the roll and your frames will match up. If you want even more control over the final images you can make plans with your film swap partner. Maybe one of you will decide to shoot portraits, while the other will focus on patterns and textures. You can also take detailed notes about camera settings.

But perhaps the most exciting thing is to leave it completely to chance. The results may surprise and amaze you!

Anything missing?

Can’t find an answer to your question? Or do you have some useful advice to add to one of our courses? We want to build the world’s largest analogue learning space, so please send any further requests or information to school@lomography.com and we’ll take a look!

Photos From Other Students

Do you want to see your photos featured here for all Lomo School students to see? If you think your photos fit this article just tag them with “film swap”. We take a look at all these photos and select our favorites. See all photos tagged with “film swap” here.

More Courses

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    Lomography Instant cameras have a multiple exposure button or switch (labelled MX). This allows you to expose one frame as many times as you like, easily creating incredible layered effects.

  • Which Lomography cameras can be used for multiple exposures?

    Most Lomography cameras have the ability to make multiple exposures. At Lomography we know how integral experimentation is, especially when it comes to creating awesome multiple exposures, and we’ve got you covered with our wide range of MX enabled cameras.