I’m sharing some of my Psych Blues #4 film samples today—one of the more playful and unpredictable rolls I’ve shot in a while.

This is the kind of film you load when you’re in the mood to let go a little. You don’t control it so much as collaborate with it, and that’s exactly what makes it fun.

What is Psych Blues #4 film?

Psych Blues is an experimental film available in both 35mm and 120, designed to introduce psychedelic light artefacts—think colour streaks, hazy washes, and unexpected flares—directly onto your images.

The makers of Psych Blues produce several variations of the film. I shot Psych Blues #4 (ISO 200), and they also sell pre-loaded single-use cameras if you want to lean fully into the experimental spirit.

According to the official description:

“Psychedelic Blues #4 is entirely exposed to holographic paper resulting in multiple spectrums of color throughout the roll. These colors will come from all directions, and fade in and out between frames.”

In practice, that means every frame feels a little bit like a surprise.

Colour, light leaks, and overall look

Psych Blues #4 adds a cool, hazy atmosphere to images, layered with shifting colour streaks that change dramatically from frame to frame.

Some shots pick up bold reds and oranges, while others lean into blues and yellows. The effect isn’t uniform—and that’s the point. On certain frames, the colours are subtle and soft; on others, they take over the image entirely.

Greenery seems to pair especially well with this film. Leaves, plants, and natural textures give the colour artefacts something to play against, and the results feel vibrant without tipping into chaos.

Shooting experience in real life

I bought this roll at Bellows Film Lab in Miami, specifically looking for something a bit experimental. I loaded it into my vintage Olympus OM-1 and took it to the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, which turned out to be an ideal testing ground.

Because the light effects vary so much, there’s very little predictability from frame to frame. You can compose carefully, but the final look still has an element of chance—which makes reviewing scans genuinely exciting.

Best situations for Psych Blues #4 film

Based on this roll, Psych Blues #4 works best in situations where texture and colour already exist:

• Botanical gardens and lush greenery

• Outdoor scenes with layered light

• Creative walks where experimentation is the goal

• Subjects that can handle bold colour overlays

I wouldn’t reach for this film for portraits where skin tones matter, or for scenes where I want clean, neutral results. This film has a personality—and it shows up whether you invite it or not.

Final thoughts on Psych Blues #4

Psych Blues #4 is not subtle, not predictable, and not for every shoot—and that’s exactly why it’s enjoyable.

If you like experimental films that introduce an element of chance, colour, and visual surprise, this one is worth trying at least once. It feels playful, slightly chaotic, and best approached with curiosity rather than expectations.

I’m looking forward to trying different variations that Psych Blues offers!