Photograms

Purpose: 

To learn and understand the history of Photograms;

To demonstrate an understanding of basic darkroom procedures;

To use creative problem-solving skills to create effective and interesting photograms, using black, white, & gray values

Artists Studied: Man Ray

Creating a successful and interesting photogram in a traditional darkroom setting requires a combination of technical skills and artistic vision. First and foremost, one must have a thorough understanding of the basic principles of photography, including exposure, contrast, and composition. Additionally, familiarity with the tools and equipment used in the darkroom, such as enlargers, trays, and chemicals, is essential. Attention to detail and patience are also important, as the process of creating a photogram can be time-consuming and requires careful attention to each step. Finally, a creative eye and a willingness to experiment with different materials and techniques can help a photographer create a unique and compelling photogram that captures the viewer's imagination.

Some successes I found when creating photograms are finding the right aperture, creating a complex photo, and experimenting with different materials. When I was using my hand in the photograms it took two tries to get the aperture right, and when I did, it turned out great. When I was creating a photogram, my images were very complex and interesting to look at because of my successful imagination. Finally, when experimenting with materials such as rice, beads, buttons, metal, glass, and my own hand, I had much success in narrowing the materials down to ones that would work.