Atlanta photographer Mallory Brooks uses experimental 'souping' method to create one-of-a-kind photos

Atlanta-based photographer Mallory Brooks. (Courtesy of Mallory Brooks)

On the “City Lights” series “Speaking of Art,” local artists share insights into their influences, processes, and experiences in town. This edition features Atlanta fine art photographer Mallory Brooks. “My photography is colorful, it’s vibrant, it’s eclectic, and it truly expresses my passion for travel and for experimenting.” 

Brooks’ work is often described as “Miami meets Atlanta” because of Brooks’ bold use of color and its tropical flare.

“I like to take familiar scenes of places and things and create fresh perspectives of them,” Brooks said. “I use a variety of experimental techniques to do this, and while I still use digital, I mostly shoot on film these days.”

One of Brooks’ favorite processes is an experimental technique called “Souping,” which is essentially destroying the film after its shot. Brooks will shoot a roll of film, put it in a pot of boiling water, use lemon juice, salt, or dish soap, let it soak for a while, then dry, then develop and scan it herself. “What results are these crazy, colorful, funky, beautifully artistic images that are totally unpredictable,” Brooks said. 

You can find more information about Mallory Brooks’ work here.