Photogram Darkroom Assignment
The Photogram
Using Light to Draw a Picture
W hat is a Photogram ?
A photogram takes the principles of photography right back to its roots using light to paint pictures. The principle is simple - you expose a
sheet of light sensitive emulsion (photographic paper), to light and block its path using an assortment of objects to create silhouettes of
shapes onto the paper. You then will process your paper with the darkroom
chemicals seeing that where light hit the paper, that area is now black. Where light was blocked
from hitting the paper, those areas are white. And where some light got to the paper, those areas
are various shades of gray.
G ather Your M aterials:
Collect together objects that will make an interesting silhouette.
ü These must include some items found in nature,
and some “man-made” items
ü include at least one item that is opaque (solid—no light passed through)
ü at least one item that it is translucent (letting little light or diffused light through)
ü and at least one item that is transparent (allowing light to completely pass through).
O bjective:
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the early photographic technique of photograms.
Student will choose interesting objects which different types of shapes, textures and
reflective light qualities in order to create a composition that is innovative and exciting.
Students will learn about silhouettes and be able to use tonal contrast & value to create a design.
Set-U p and Exposure
1. Gather all of your materials,
2. Before you go into the darkroom, lay out your objects on a 3 x 5” paper. Arrange them in a creative pattern.
3. You must use only the enlarger that you are assigned. Only go into the darkroom when it is your turn.
4. Once at your enlarger in the darkroom, Place the 3 x 5 easel in place below the lens.
5. Turn ON the enlarger lamp with the toggle switch.
6. Adjust the f/stop on the enlarger lens to MAX OPEN.
7. Adjust the height of the enlarger head to so that the light is just slightly larger than the 3x5 opening.
8. You will need to move the easel around so it is directly under light source.
9. Turn OFF the enlarger lamp with the toggle switch.
10. Set the timer to 5 seconds.
11. Under safelight conditions, get out your 3x5 photo paper and place it into the easel
12. The EMULSION side (the shinny side) needs to face UP.
13. Be sure the paper is set squarely into the stops on the easel.
14. Do not move the easel while loading the paper…. It is in the exact position it needs to be.
15. Press the button on the timer.
16. The lamp will go on, and then after 5 seconds, the lamp will automatically turn off.
17. Remove your items, and then remove the photo paper from the easel.
See the back of this paper for the next steps………
Developing the Exposed Photo Paper—(Safe Lights Only!)
The directions for developing photographic paper are the same for every project we do using photographic paper—
Photograms, Contact Prints, & Enlargements.
Make sure you have a clock or some timekeeping device. Keep track of the time!
Developer Stop Bath Fix Water Hypo Wash Running
90 30 seconds 3 minutes Rinse 1 minute Water
seconds 30 seconds 5 minutes
DEVELOPER
1. Place your exposed paper into the developer tray, emulsion side down
2. Be sure the paper is immediately fully submerged under the chemical.
3. Use the “developer tongs” to turn the paper over, emulsion side up.
4. You need to constantly AGITATE the tray…. Only move it left and right so that you don’t slosh it out. Be gentle!
5. You must continue to agitate the entire time…. No Stopping!!!!
6. After 90 SECONDS, use the tongs to remove your developed sheet.
7. Hold it over the Developer Tray to allow the chemical to drain off
STOP BATH
1. Place the paper into the STOP BATH and leave it there for 30 Seconds.
2. As before, you need to constantly AGITATE the tray
3. Use the tongs to remove your developed sheet.
4. Hold it over the Stop Bath tray to allow the chemical to drain off
FIXER
1. Drop this sheet into the FIXER tray. Return the developer tongs to their “spot”. We will not use them anymore.
a. Do not let the “Developer Tongs” ever go into the Fixer Tray!
2. Leave your sheet in the Fixer for THREE MINUTES.
3. After it is done in the fixer, safe lights are not necessary. Your photo paper is no longer sensitive to light.
4. Use the “Fixer Tongs” to remove the sheet from the Fixer Tray.
5. Hold it over the Fixer tray to allow the chemical to drain off
WATER RINSE
1. Drop this sheet into the H20 tray.
2. Rinse your sheet in the Water Rinse for THIRTY SECONDS.
3. Use the “H20 Tongs” to remove the sheet from the Water Rinse Tray.
4. Hold it over the Water Rinse tray to allow the chemical to drain off
HYPO WASH
1. Drop this sheet into the HYPO WASH.
2. Leave your sheet in the Wash for ONE MINUTE.
3. Hold it over the Hypo Wash tray to allow the chemical to drain off.
RUNNING WATER
1. Drop this sheet into the RUNNING WATER BATH.
2. Leave your sheet in the Running Water Bath for FIVE MINUTES. The water should be ON and FLOWING during the Wash
Cycle.
3. After it is done Washing, remove the print. Place it directly on the countertop and SQUEEGEE off any excess water.
One pass should be enough. Never more than two passes with the squeegee.
INSPECTION — Take your finished print out into the classroom and inspect it under regular “white light”.
Write your name on the back of your photogram.
DRYING — Place the finished print on your shelf to allow it to dry thoroughly. DO NOT try to dry it off with paper towels.
Laying Out Your Photogram
Below you will find a box that is 3” x 5”.
Your Photogram could be either Landscape (wide) or Portrait (tall)
Lay out your items on this paper and practice your arrangement so that it is aesthetically pleasing.
Is at least one item you are using found in nature?
Is at least one item you are using “Man Made”?
Do you have at least one item that is OPAQUE?
… TRANSPARENT?
………… TRANSLUCENT?
Have Fun!
