Photo
Aug, 2014Views
89
Likes
Awards
2020 Choice Award
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Exceptional Contrast
Top Choice
Peer Award
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I created this photogram in the color darkroom at Barry University for a photogram assignment.Time
N/ALighting
Because this was created entirely in a color darkroom, my only source of light was the enlarger. Being freed from traditional lighting, the only thing that mattered was discovering what lighting produced a pleasing image with the transparent water guns. Since I exposed the same sheet of photo paper to light numerous times, it was important not to go over board.Equipment
I placed my photo paper on the baseboard under the enlarger, arranged some water guns on it and exposed it to light. I then felt around the baseboard for my water guns, re-arranged them and exposed my paper to light again, in hopes of creating depth. I did this a few times while slightly adjusting the settings on the enlarger to add texture to the piece. On the upper left hand side you can see where I took notes on what I was doing as I went along. Once that photogram was finished, I took it back into the darkroom and placed it on a fresh piece of photo paper and exposed it to light, creating this final image. The border on the edge is a result of the edges of the first photogram not being flat against the photo paper. It was not my intention for my notes to show through, but once I saw that I ran with it, hence the comical "water gun" I drew in the middle.Inspiration
I wanted to create a photogram that was not so straightforward. I did not want to create something that could easily be duplicated by simply placing an item on photo paper and using the same settings. There are so many layers and steps to this piece that I am not certain I could even recreate it, making it truly original.Editing
Everything about this piece was done the old fashioned way, in a darkroom.In my camera bag
Nikon D7100 Lens BabyFeedback
Photograms can be as simple or as interesting as you like. Take a few transparent or semi transparent items into the darkroom with you and have fun. Keep an open mind and be flexible. It's challenging to predict the composition of your piece but that's one of the exciting parts of the process. Due to the nature of the process you will end up with many one of a kind photograms that you may not even be able to recreate yourself. Embrace the imperfections of your piece and use them to your advantage. Imperfections make for genuinely original works of art.
