Polaroid image transfer is a process by which a sheet of Polaroid peel-apart film is interrupted during its development process. The negative is then placed on a piece of damp watercolor paper. Pressure is applied and the dyes in the negative migrate to the watercolor paper. The results are soft images that become something beyond a typical photograph.

The process has many variables and therefore allows a great deal of manipulation. Because of this, each image is unique and often the results can be surprising.

SX-70 or Time Zero manipulation starts with a normal Polaroid photograph taken with Time Zero (formerly SX-70) film. As the image develops it is possible to use various tools (such as those for sculpting clay) to move and change the dyes within the emulsion. As the photograph develops and the emulsion begins to harden, the ways in which it can be manipulated change.

The result is usually an image with elements of a photograph and a painting melded together.

Van Dyke prints are made on watercolor paper (or another porous material) sensitized with a solution of light sensitive iron compounds. These compounds are only sensitive to ultra-violet light. Since ultra-violet light is invisible to the eye it cannot be focused. As a result Van Dyke prints must be made by contact printing, with the negative in direct contact with the sensitized paper.

The most efficient but also the most unpredictable source of ultra-violet light available is the sun. To expose a print the sensitized paper and the negative are placed in a printing frame that holds them securely together. The frame is then placed in the sun for five to thirty minutes depending on the weather. The print then must be processed in similar manner to a typical black and white print.