Analog Art in the Digital Age

For Pennsylvania-based artist Amber Lauder, photography is a way to resist the push of generative AI. She thrives in the unpredictable, embracing a “what if?” philosophy that pushes the boundaries of traditional film photography.

Her work extends far beyond the darkroom. Lauder is a multi-disciplinary creator who utilizes cyanotypes, lumen prints, and scanography to push the limits of light-sensitive materials. She is also recognized for her tactile approach to instant film, often physically altering Polaroids through emulsion lifts or by stitching directly into the frames with needle and thread.

Lauder’s signature technique, “film soup,” involves soaking film rolls in various liquids prior to development. While traditionalists might shudder at the thought of submerged negatives, Lauder treats the process as an alchemical ritual. By introducing acidity or heat via household items—ranging from red wine and energy drinks to hand sanitizer—she forces the film’s emulsion to react in unpredictable ways.

The results are a psychedelic departure from reality: vibrant light leaks, organic “blooms” of color, and random textures. “It’s about letting go of control,” Lauder has noted, emphasizing that these chemical reactions create a unique collaboration between the artist and the medium.

The results are unpredictable – which is exactly what inspires Lauder. In an age where everything is calculated, analyzed, and predicted, Lauder lets go.