How to Make a Photogram

What is a photogram?

A photogram is a picture produced using photographic paper (light-sensitive paper), but without the use of an actual camera. In other words, when the paper is exposed to light, it darkens. By putting an object on the paper and exposing it to light, for a few seconds, you can create an image. 

How to Make a Photogram

Darkroom procedure 

- Once in the darkroom, turn off all lights, with only the presence of a safe light (red light)

- Place your object(s) onto the light-sensitive paper

- Expose the paper with a white light (e.g. a cell phone, i-pod, etc.) for about 10 seconds 

- Process the paper into three different baths: the developer, stopper and fixer

Processing the photographic paper 

Step 1- The developer

- Place the paper in the developer tray

- Gently press down paper with tongs to ensure it is fully covered with chemicals

- Rock the tray to agitate the paper

- Process for 60 seconds

Step 2- The stopper

- Carefully remove the paper from the developer using tongs

- Let it drip on an angle for a few seconds

- Place the paper in the stop bath tray

- Gently press down paper with tongs to ensure it is fully covered with chemicals

- Rock the tray to agitate the paper

- Process for 30 seconds

Step 3- The fixer

- Carefully remove the paper from the stop bath using tongs

- Let it drip on an angle for a few seconds

- Place the paper in the fixer tray

- Gently press down paper with tongs to ensure it is fully covered with chemicals

- Rock the tray to agitate the paper

- Process for 2 minutes, turning on the lights halfway through (1 minute)

Step 4- Water rinse

- Carefully remove the paper from the fixer using tongs

- Let it drip on an angle for a few seconds

- Place the paper in the water bath

- Gently press down and move around paper with hands to ensure it is underwater

- Let water run to rinse the print for at least 10 minutes

- Remove print from water and pass it through print dryer

*Note: You need to control the intensity and duration of light exposure. Increasing or decreasing exposure controls how dark or light your photogram will be. Too much exposure results in a dark image, therefore needing  to decrease it. Too little exposure results in a light image, therefore needing to increase it.

The above picture is an example of a photogram I made.

To view more photograms, click here.