1. Photograms and Darkroom Procedure

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

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

4. 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.

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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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?

13. Processing Photographic Paper

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

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

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