Photograms

What even is a Photogram?

A photogram is a 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. Areas of the paper that have received no light appear white; those exposed for a shorter time or through transparent or semi-transparent objects appear grey, while fully-exposed areas are black in the final print.

Check out the video below to see how they are made in our darkroom.

Len Lye: A New Zealand Pioneer

Len Lye (1901–1980) was a visionary New Zealand artist known internationally for his experimental films and kinetic sculptures. He was also a master of the photogram, although he called them "Shadowgraphs".

Lye didn't just place objects on paper; he tried to capture movement and energy. He would use stencils, fabrics, and even his own body profile to create abstract, surreal portraits.

Why Len Lye is important:

Innovation: He treated photography not just as a way to record reality, but as a way to create new abstract forms.
Direct Film: He applied the photogram technique to movie film, scratching and painting directly onto celluloid without using a camera at all!
Energy: His work is famous for feeling "alive" and energetic, full of squiggles, dots, and rhythmic patterns.

Photograms.mp4

How to make a Photogram in our darkroom.

Watch this and then try out our interactive Photogram Lab and make your own. The video and the lab is to prep you for going into the darkroom to make your own!

Photogram Ideas and Techniques

Age your Photogram with Shellac

Put your Photogram on some newspaper and use a brush to either coat the image or paint shellac on parts of it. Let it dry and add some more allowing it to layer.

photogram examples .docx

Photogram Examples

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