VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS GRAPHICS MR. SHEA

Photogram Photogram - photographic image made without a camera by placing objects directly onto the surface of a LIGHT-SENSITIVE MATERIAL such as photographic paper and then exposing it to light. The usual result is a NEGATIVE SHADOW image that shows VARIATIONS IN TONE that depends upon the TRANSPARENCY of the objects used. Shadows stay white (color of paper), areas exposed to light turn black. Those areas exposed through transparent or semi-transparent objects appear grey. Sometimes called cameraless photography.

Photogram Photographic Paper - is a paper coated with a light-sensitive chemical formula, used for making photographic prints. When photographic paper is exposed to light it captures a latent image that is then developed to form a visible image. The light-sensitive layer of the paper is called the emulsion. Without developing, the paper will be exposed to light and become completely burned. Emulsion - is a mixture of two or more liquids that are normally non- mixable / unblendable.

Creating a Photogram Think about a THEME for your composition. Arrange your items with a purpose. Must use at least one OPAQUE, one TRANSPARENT, & one TRANSLUCENT object. Add an additional element to your photogram by adding a gradient or shading. Use round / non-flat objects Layer objects LAYOUT your items beforehand on a sheet of paper in the light and observe how the shadows lie on the paper. OPAQUE TRANSPARENT TRANSLUCENT

How It Works The light source (1) illuminates objects The objects (2 & 3) that are placed directly on a sheet of photosensitive paper. Depending on the object's distance to the paper their shadows look harder/sharper (7) or softer /fuzzier(5). Areas of the paper that are in total shadow (6) stay white; they become grey if the objects are transparent or translucent Areas that are fully exposed to the light (4) are blackened

Use and easel to hold the paper (wallet, 4x6, 5x7, 8x10) Time/Focus – Lights on Make sure easel is straight and completely under the light. Turn off light. Take out & set up paper shiny side up Handle photo paper by the edges and arrange under the easel. Arrange items over paper Time – OFF, set little hand to 10 Expose for 10 seconds Too much light  dark print  burnt pic = all black Light sensitive paper ALWAYS COVER THE BOX Creating a Photogram

Goggles ON in the darkroom. Chemicals involved Use tongs. Hands have natural oils on them that will leave unwanted fingerprints and smudges If developer and Fixer mix, there may be an ammonia smell NOTIFY THE TEACHER No phones, ipods or other devices. Light will ruin prints before they are even completed. Use the revolving door Be careful with the door. Can easily be knocked off. Expensive to fix / replace. DARKROOM RULES

The Development Process Developer (Dektol) diluted with water 1:2 Ratio 45 seconds Step Bath 3 – 5 seconds (Let drip off over tray) Fixer (Allows for print to be light safe) 1:4 Ratio 3 to 5 Minutes Final Wash (Water – Get all chemicals off. Eliminates chemical staining) Minutes Dryer 5 – 10 minutes Once complete, scan to your P: drive (Optional) Create a positive

Wash 1 ST STEP: DEVELOPER Developer is a chemical that causes light-struck silver particles to form a visible image Dektol 3. Fixer 1. Developer 2. Stop Bath 1. Developer 2. Stop Bath Dryer

Developer Fixer C A U T I O N ! ! ! Notify the teacher immediately if you smell it!

Wash An acidic chemical that STOPS the developing process. It neutralizes the alkaline developer before fixing. We use water! 3. Fixer 1. Developer 2. Stop Bath 1. Developer 2. Stop Bath Dryer

Wash 3 rd Step Fixer Fixer is a chemical which dissolves away the undeveloped silver halide crystals on film or photographic paper. The emulsion becomes stabilized Your print becomes LIGHT SAFE after this step. 3. Fixer 1. Developer 2. Stop Bath 1. Developer 2. Stop Bath Dryer

Developer Fixer C A U T I O N ! ! ! Notify the teacher immediately if you smell it!

Wash 4 th Step Wash Wash is a tray of water where prints are kept to dilute all other chemicals that may effect the print if exposed to light. 3. Fixer 1. Developer 2. Stop Bath 1. Developer 2. Stop Bath Dryer

5th Step Dry in Dryer Wash 3. Fixer 1. Developer 2. Stop Bath 1. Developer 2. Stop Bath Dryer

Darkroom Rules Review

Assignment Experiment making Photograms Shoot & develop a bunch of different layouts. Try different arrangements and light levels and placement (Flashlight at an angle) If time permits, shoot a positive of one of your images. Scan all photograms you have done and save them to your P:drive in a VisCom  Photogram folder. Turn in the best photogram to be graded.