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PHOTOGRAMS

I decided to use some artistic magic to create intricate photograms of various objects after undergoing a detailed production method. 

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WHAT IS A PHOTOGRAM?

EQUIPMENT?

A photogram is essentially a way to take a picture without using an actual camera. The process is relatively complex in comparison with simply clicking and snapping using a regular modern camera, however the experience is bespoke and insightful. Photograms produced are always produced in a black-white scale. In this particular set of photograms, I have used objects such as patterned film, sea shells, small animal toys, sewing barrels and rings. 

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  • Photogram paper

  • Dark room (only red light permissible)

  • Small, hard objects for a clear end product

  • Enlarger machine 

  • Fixing chemical machine 

  • Stop bath

  • Developer (chemicals)

  • Hanging line

  • Water

  • Tongs/clips 

HOW TO MAKE A PHOTOGRAM:

  1. Firstly, ensure you are in a completely dark room. The room may only have a light source in the colour of red - this is because red light does not affect the result of the photogram. 

  2. Collate the objects you wish to showcase and arrange them on top of approximately an A5 piece of photogram paper.

  3. Place this bundle beneath the enlarger and switch it on so that the photogram paper is within the projected light from the enlarger.

  4. Allow the timer to complete and then remove the objects and set them aside. 

  5. Switch off the enlarger machine. 

  6. Remove the paper from under the enlarger and now attach the paper to a couple of clips and slide the image within the developer chemicals and leave it there for 1 minute whilst moving the image around slightly.

  7. Next, shake the image so there is no drip and then place the image, attached by a couple of clips, to the stop bath for approximately 30 seconds. 

  8. Now, shake the image so there is now drip and place the image, again, secured by a couple of clips, into the fixer chemicals and leave it there for approximately 3-5 minutes. 

  9. Now place the image in a bath of water, so it is completely submerged, and allow this to sit for at least 10 minutes. 

  10. Now take the image out and allow it to dry on the hanging rack. 

  11. Once your image has dried, you can now look at it in usual lighting. Your photogram is complete! 

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