Photograms
What is a Photogram?
A Photogram is an image created by objects with full or near contact to a piece of light sensitive photographic paper. An enlarger is then used to release light onto the arrange objects for a specific amount of time, then the paper is soaked in chemicals which allows the image to show. The objects directly onto the paper will become white as the light has not reached the paper, unless the object allows light to pass through then there will be tones of grey. The space that has no objects blocking light will turn black.
Process of making a Photogram
1) The enlarger must be prepared before the light being exposed. Tasks that must be completed before:
- The height of the enlarger head must be high enough so that the light fully covers the printing area.
- The filter needs to be set to 0.
- The aperture should be set to f/8
- The time should be set to 3 seconds. (This will be changed after the test strip)
2) A thin strip of photographic paper is then placed under the enlarger, shiny side up. Place objects along the length of the paper, and have a piece of card that will be used to block out light.
3) Allow the light to expose to the paper in 3 second intervals while covering with the card.
4) The test strip then needs to be processed in the chemicals in this order:
- DEVELOPER: Continuous agitation for 2 minutes (Emulsion side up)
- STOP BATH: 30 seconds (Emulsion side down)
- FIXER: 5 minutes (Emulsion side down)
- WASH: 10 minutes in cold running water.
When assessing the strip, each change in colour represents 3 seconds. Add the seconds up until the test strip is black. This is how you find the final exposure time.
5) Return the test strip to the fixer and set the enlarger to the final exposure time.
6) Expose the final image and process using the same method (without the card). Then dry the test strips and prints.
What is a Photogram?
A Photogram is an image created by objects with full or near contact to a piece of light sensitive photographic paper. An enlarger is then used to release light onto the arrange objects for a specific amount of time, then the paper is soaked in chemicals which allows the image to show. The objects directly onto the paper will become white as the light has not reached the paper, unless the object allows light to pass through then there will be tones of grey. The space that has no objects blocking light will turn black.
Process of making a Photogram
1) The enlarger must be prepared before the light being exposed. Tasks that must be completed before:
- The height of the enlarger head must be high enough so that the light fully covers the printing area.
- The filter needs to be set to 0.
- The aperture should be set to f/8
- The time should be set to 3 seconds. (This will be changed after the test strip)
2) A thin strip of photographic paper is then placed under the enlarger, shiny side up. Place objects along the length of the paper, and have a piece of card that will be used to block out light.
3) Allow the light to expose to the paper in 3 second intervals while covering with the card.
4) The test strip then needs to be processed in the chemicals in this order:
- DEVELOPER: Continuous agitation for 2 minutes (Emulsion side up)
- STOP BATH: 30 seconds (Emulsion side down)
- FIXER: 5 minutes (Emulsion side down)
- WASH: 10 minutes in cold running water.
When assessing the strip, each change in colour represents 3 seconds. Add the seconds up until the test strip is black. This is how you find the final exposure time.
5) Return the test strip to the fixer and set the enlarger to the final exposure time.
6) Expose the final image and process using the same method (without the card). Then dry the test strips and prints.
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| Test Strip |
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| Photograms |
This same method can be used to make Chemigrams. However, instead of placing the exposed image into the developer, it is painted on. This allows you to choose which part of the image you would like fully exposed and other parts can be left blank. The techniques that you can use to add the developer onto the image can create new interesting, abstract images. After the developer is added, the method continues in the same way as processing a Photogram.
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| Chemigrams |
Sun Prints
A sun print is the same as a photogram as it uses direct contact of materials onto paper which is then exposed to light. Instead of using artificial light to expose the composition of materials on the paper, sun light is used.
Process of making a Sun Print
1) In a dark room, come up with a composition of materials (such as plants, seeds or feathers) and lay it onto the shiny side of the photographic paper.
2) Place a piece of card over the prepared image so that the paper can not pick up light and start developing when moving from the dark room to outside.
Process of making a Sun Print
1) In a dark room, come up with a composition of materials (such as plants, seeds or feathers) and lay it onto the shiny side of the photographic paper.
2) Place a piece of card over the prepared image so that the paper can not pick up light and start developing when moving from the dark room to outside.
3) When outside, place the prepared image in direct sunlight and remove the card that is protecting the light sensitive paper.
- Depending on the strength of UV light, it could take 8 minutes to 60 minutes.
- The average time is from 15 - 25 minutes/
4) After the exposure time, use the protective piece of card to cover the image until returning into the dark room. If the image is dirty, cold water can be used to rinse the paper clean.
5) The image needs to stay in the Fix for 5-7 minutes so that the image can be made permanent. The image then needs to washed and dried.
5) The image needs to stay in the Fix for 5-7 minutes so that the image can be made permanent. The image then needs to washed and dried.
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| Sun Print |
Health and Safety
In the dark room, there are a variety of health and safety procedures as there are chemicals that need to be handled carefully.
1) Do not place hands in the chemicals. Gloves can be provided if needed. (Use tongs to move the image from tray to tray)
- If chemicals come into contact with skin, wash the contacted area with warm water.
2) When moving images around, carry them in trays to avoid chemicals getting on the floor. If a spillage is made, clean it up to avoid accidents.
3) Keep equipment used with chemicals away from the enlargers.
4) If there are any faults with the equipment, it needs to be reported.
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