Photograms! A Thematic Series

by megan mccollum

Photograms are negative-less photographs that are created by placing objects and found materials directly on top of photo paper. In class, we will experiment first with simple techniques for creating successful photograms, and then we'll begin to experiment with multiple exposures and actually moving the objects while exposing them!

During the week this week, create a series of 4 final photogram prints that you can use for a final series. Each of your photograms should demonstrate your ability to make a good exposure (contrast & detail), as well as create an interesting composition. Consider how you will use the space of your compositional format to evenly balance positive and negative space, overlap shapes, and create a visual pathway.

Use the criteria below to identify how your final series will be graded!

Photograms Print Evaluation 08-09 - Upload a Document to Scribd

Homework #2 Snapshot vs. Composed

There are two types of photographs that exist in the world: "Snapshots," the everyday picture taken without planning or consideration of the subject, and "Composed" photographs, pictures that demonstrate clear planning, thought, or consideration by the photographer. While snapshots merely capture a moment, a composed photograph aims to convey a message, or aspires to become a work of art.

In Photo class, we'll try to use our cameras as a tool for creating thoughtful images, and avoid "snapping" a photo off without thought or concern. After all, a photograph can explain to others what you are all about, your point of view, your ideas, your perspective, your personality as a photographer, not just your ability to press a button on your camera.

For Friday's class, bring in two examples of a "snapshot," and two examples of a "composed" photograph. You may bring images you've taken yourself, examples you find in magazines, or print examples from the internet, (larger, high quality print-outs only!). If using "found" imagery, do not cut into the photo, carefully include the entire image. Avoid advertisements! To make it easier to compare, choose examples with similar subject matter. Be prepared to defend your reason for choosing each based upon our discussion of the following comparisons:

1) Is there visual evidence of the photographer thinking/planning when taking the picture? Why or why not?
2) Is the sole focus of the image centered in the middle, or are there many focal points throughout?
3) What is the photographer's intent when taking this image? Is it merely to document a moment, or is there a deeper meaning? What might this meaning be?
4) Is there evidence of technical planning in the exposure, or does it appear rushed or unconsidered? How?

After we have looked at your examples together in class, you will choose one example of each to glue into your sketchbook, label as being a "snapshot" or "composed" photograph, and write a 7-8 sentence explanation of why you labeled each this way.

"Composed" photograph links:

Photography NOW
Masters of Photography
ProFotos-Photography Masters
Photokaboom

Due: Monday, 9/22.

Enlarger and Camera Diagrams

Below are the enlarger and camera diagrams for your notebook/sketchbook. Please copy or your notes as you wish!

Camera and Enlarger

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

Homework #2: "The Pinhole Point of View" by Doug Stewart

To get a little more appreciation and understanding of just how revolutionary pinhole photography really is, please read Doug Stewart's article, "The Pinhole Point of View," below. After reading, please respond to the following questions using complete sentences in your sketchbook. Be prepared to discuss and turn in your responses by: Friday, Sept. 12th

Questions:

1) "Because there is no viewfinder, it allows you to relinquish your soul to the camera." In your opinion, what does professor Daniel Kazimierski mean when he says this?
2) In professor Kazimierski's opinion, what are pinhole photographer's reacting against in the typical world of photography?
3) "Pinhole is not a point and shoot affair but an exploration." In your opinion, what does Eric Renner mean when he makes this statement about the process of using a pinhole camera?
4) Read the section, "Every Image is a Surprise," then, identify one artist and explain how this artist uses pinhole photography in an interesting way.

the pinhole point of view - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: the pinhole point of view

Classwork #1: Pinhole Negatives and Prints

Photos by: Jaxan and Magsya

This week in class you will be refining and perfecting your pinhole exposures. First concentrate on understanding your camera and learning how it works. Make adjustments to its aperture, structure, or other parts. As you create your first few pictures, document each and every one in your sketchbook by including the following:

1) Exposure Time
2) Quality of Light (Time of Day)
3) Any Problems
4) Possible Solutions to your problems

Once you have created a high quality, interesting negative, we will learn how to create a positive in the darkroom.

Refer to the slideshow below to see tips for troubleshooting and to get inspirational ideas for taking pictures. Remember, pinhole exposures are long, so take advantage of this by experimenting with:

Light amount and source
Movement contrasting w/stillness
Point of view (where you position the camera, on the ground, facing up, etc.)
Subject matter (first choose subject matter that is stationary and has a lot of light and shadows.

We will discuss due dates for your pinhole log, and final negative and positive in class!