Photograms and Darkroom Procedure

What is a Photogram? A photogram is a type of contact print, made without the use of a camera or negative.

A photogram is created by placing objects on light sensitive material and then exposing it to light.

Henry Fox Talbot experimented with making botanical images by placing botanical specimens and lace on top of light sensitive material in a printing frame, exposing this to light, and then washing out the unexposed light sensitive material.

In the 1920’s photograms became popular with artists such as Man Ray and Laszlo Moholy-Nagy.

What Kinds of Things Can be Used to Create a Photogram? Two-dimensional objects that block some or all of the light like cut paper, drawings, writing, transparencies can be used along with three-dimensional objects. Objects can be opaque, blocking light completely, semi-transparent, blocking only some of the light, or completely transparent like a plastic water bottle. try to go beyond the items readily on hand, such as keys, coins, ipods, etc. Explore organic materials like leaves, cotton, rocks or sand. Investigate liquids captured in plastic bags and drawing on transparency or paper.

Process Begin in the white light with a sheet of plexiglass. Use tape or a marker to define the printing area (the size of your light sensitive material). Now arrange your composition on the plexiglass. When you are satisfied with your composition, move into the darkroom and place your plexiglass with objects on top of the light sensitive material. Make sure your photo paper fits inside your defined area. Expose with white light from an enlarger, overhead light, flexible desk lamp, or pen light. Process the paper as normal.

Evaluation the Results: Have you created a dynamic composition? Did you explore a variety of objects to create a unique photogram? Did you properly expose your photogram? Has your photogram been properly processed?

Processing Photographic Paper

Step 1: Developer (Dektol) Place paper in the developer tray Gently tap edges with tongs to ensure paper is fully submerged Rock the edge of the tray to agitate the paper – to ensure there are no bubbles Process for 60seconds

Step 2: Stop Bath Carefully remove the paper from the developer using tongs Allow it to drip for 7 seconds. Place the paper in the stop bath tray Gently tap edges with tongs to ensure paper is fully submerged Rock the edge of the tray to agitate the paper – to ensure there are no bubbles Process for 30seconds

Step 3: Fixer Carefully remove the paper from the stop bath using tongs Allow it to drip for 7 seconds. Place the paper in the fixer tray Gently tap edges with tongs to ensure paper is fully submerged Rock the edge of the tray to agitate the paper – to ensure there are no bubbles Process for 5 minutes

Step 4: Water Rinse Carefully remove the paper from the fixer using tongs Allow it to drip for 7 seconds. Place the paper in the water bath Gently tap edges with tongs to ensure paper is fully submerged Allow running water to rinse the print for at least 5 minutes Dry print

Your Assignment Create a photogram that evokes a very specific mood or feeling, and exemplifies a dynamic composition

Grading Criteria Dynamic Composition Creation of mood or feeling Creativity Craftsmanship Proper exposure Proper processing (no stains, etc) Complete, on time, and dry