Photograms

Photograms 

A Photograms is a camera-less photography. Produced with photographic paper. For our Photograms we used 2/3D materials and objects. Depending on some materials we used, we knew light would pass through them, but we weren't sure on how much light would, until we developed and saw our test strip or image in the light. 

Step by step

Step 1: Set up enlarger, according to height needed. The light must cover the printing area. Set all filters to 0 (CMY, set the aperture to f8 and light timer to 3.0 seconds

Step 2: Cut a thin strip of photographic paper for a test strip. Place the test strip emulsion side up (shinny side). Place your chosen objects on top of the paper and expose for 3 seconds. Then get a bit of card to cover sections of your photographic paper (2-3cm at a time) and expose for 3 seconds

Step 3: Process test strip in chemical baths. Develop, stop bath, fix (1-2minutes) remove the test strip from the water, put into a tray and take your test strip outside into light. So you can choose your correct exposure time.

You'd be looking for the first good black. Count divisions starting from the lightest side. The first/lightest section represents 3 seconds. Must go up in 3 seconds for each division.

Step 4: Once you have picked out your most successful division on your test strip, put it back in the fix. Set your enlarger timer to the correct time. Making sure all lights are still off.

Step 5: Get your final bigger photographic paper and place your object on the paper. Expose for correct time and then develop in chemicals following the same method and time as before. 

Dry prints and test strip when finished. 

Once dry, don't not get wet again. 

Health and Safety

• Work area must stay uncluttered and tidy to prevent tripping over 
• Must keep everything dry, away from everything wet. It could ruin all your work
• Use least toxic chemicals available
• Darkroom should be kept well ventilated 
• Keep all chemicals separate, do not mix or use the some tongs 

Objects I used in my Photograms
Key, netting, plastic card, dead flower, spring, twisted wooden ball