Photogram

© Anna Atkins

Photograms (also called rayograms) were made famous by photographer Man Ray but they were actually invented in 1843 by Anna Atkins, who illustrated the book, British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions which was the first book illustrated with photographs. All photographs in the book were solely photograms of botanical specimens (an example can be seen here to the left). A photogram is actually a photograph created without the use of a camera. Objects are placed in a pleasing manner on the surface of photographic paper and exposed using an enlarger. The final product is a very design-oriented image of blacks and whites. 

Assignment:
For this assignment you must study photograms and create two interesting compositions with objects (both transparent and opaque--natural and man-made) and cut paper.

2 Photograms must be passed in. They must contain different objects and look like two different compositions.

Steps:

1. Study photograms from master artists.
2. Compile objects to experiment with photograms.
3. Play with your objects in order to find a pleasing composition.
4. Place your paper under the enlarger.
5. Place your objects on the paper.
6. Run the enlarger for about 4-8 seconds depending on your objects.
7. Develop using the normal chemistry.

Tips:

• Before you begin in the darkroom, be sure to play with the placement of objects on your paper. What makes the best photogram?
• Remember, no cheesiness. We are striving for fine art.
• Think graphic patterns and clean design.
• Plants work really well. Try them.
• Transparent objects also work well (cellophane, clear plastic, glass paper weights,tulle fabric,etc.)