Almost any domestic front loading washing machine can be used to create a photographic portrait of its operator, providing the door of the machine has a clear glass compartment.

First, locate the washing machine manual. This will give an accurate indication of the amount of water the machine uses for each wash, vital for correctly determining the quantity of developer to add (1 part developer to 9 parts water); usually about 1 liter is sufficient to process the photograph.

Pull the machine out from its normal resting place and position it so that an interesting background is included. A circular piece of hardboard neatly fitted to the recess of the glass door and securely taped will exclude light from entering into the drum area. In the center of the hardboard circle, drill a hole approximately 1/2 inch diameter. In a 2 inch square sheet of thin sheet aluminum, drill a small (1/16 inch diameter) hole. Center it over the circular hardboard, making it sure that the two holes line up before attaching. This small hole will act as the lens and can be made slightly larger if the light is poor, or if the glass (or Perspex) window has been damaged and has become clouded.

The machine can now be loaded with photographic film. A large, dark-colored blanket can be draped over the machine and the film carefully loaded into the machine and attached to the drum, directly opposite the door. Ilford FP4 (125 ASA) 8 x 10 inches is a good film to use as this will give good speed and can also withstand the vigorous wash/developing process of the machine. Alternately, Multigrade resin-coated photographic paper is a good choice. It is also quite fast (approx. 400 ASA) and fairly durable.



The exposure will need to be determined by one or two tests, but as a general guide a 1/16 inch diameter hole, using FP4 in good light, indoors, would require approximately 10 minutes. (The distance between aperture and photographic material is an important dimension and the larger this distance becomes the longer the exposure should be.) Once the exposure has been completed, turn on the machine and select a cool wash setting (warm setting during winter). At this point introduce approximately one liter of Ilford PQ universal developer to the wash cycle via the detergent compartment. (If the machine is fitted with an economy wash cycle this amount could be reduced to approximately 1/2 liter).

When the wash cycle is done, let the machine make a short rinse and then add 1 liter of fixer. Allow the machine to complete its rinse and spin dry cycles.

Remove the film and examine it in good light to determine what alterations should be made to improve your results. (Scratches on the film surface are due to the emulsion coming into contact with the machine's metal drum.)

Just as you would carry out one large family wash, it would seem logical to produce a complete family portrait using the washing machine, both a saving of time and materials.

Please note: Due to the length of the exposure the subject must remain motionless in order to register an image on the film.

Film speed: FP4 125 ASA
1/16 inch diameter aperture|

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