INSTANT IMAGE · HANDMADE OBJECT

Lift the photograph from its original surface.

Transform an instant photograph into a delicate, movable emulsion and place it onto a new support.

Polaroid emulsion-lift workshop artwork by Mengfan Yang
Why learn this?

The process changes how you understand the photograph.

An emulsion lift turns an instant photograph into a one-of-a-kind physical object. The image layer becomes flexible and imperfect: folds, edges and placement become part of the final work.

This guide prepares you for the session. The live product page remains the source for current booking options, availability, inclusions and price.

Inside the workshop

Four connected stages.

01

Choose the image

Begin with a suitable instant photograph and consider what the new support adds.

02

Open the material

Separate the image layer carefully using the demonstrated process.

03

Float & guide

Handle the loosened emulsion in water without forcing or tearing it.

04

Transfer

Position the image on the new surface and allow the final shape to remain handmade.

Who it is for

Begin where you are.

  • Instant-photography beginners
  • Artists working with found or personal images
  • People interested in handmade photographic objects
  • Creative groups
Choose the format

Book the standard session—or ask us to build another one.

Individual, couple or listed option

Use the live workshop product for the currently available formats. Private workshops without a fixed date are scheduled with you after purchase.

View the live emulsion-lift workshop →

Company or larger private group

Group size changes teaching time, materials, equipment and capacity. Tell us the participant count, preferred date, language and desired outcome for a tailored quotation.

Request a custom workshop →

Before booking

Questions that matter.

Do I need previous Polaroid experience?

No. Care and patience matter more than technical camera knowledge.

Will every lift look identical?

No. The material can fold, stretch and settle differently. Those variations are part of the process.

What should I bring?

Check the current product page for the precise materials and preparation instructions for the scheduled session.

Can this be booked privately?

Custom group editions can be requested, subject to instructor, material and date availability.

Berlin Photo Studio

Learn by handling the material, seeing the result and asking the questions that appear in practice.