Sun printing

Sun printing

A sun print is a contact print (1:1). It is made by placing objects onto light 
sensitive paper and exposing with UV light. When exposed to light, the solid 
objects stop the light from exposing the paper. Anything used where light can 
pass through makes a pattern or picture on the paper. Solid objects will result in 
that area of the paper staying white or off-white. 

Block out the light with things that have interesting shapes.

Equipment:
• A piece of card or wood to use as a base board 
• A sheet of glass or acrylic sheet 
• Photographic chemicals - Fix 

• Water 

Work in a darkened room to prepare your composition. Place your light 
sensitive photographic paper on top of a piece of card. Make sure the paper is 
emulsion side up (shinny side up). 
• When ready, place a piece of card on top of the light sensitive paper and 
objects to keep it in place and cover with a second piece of card (this will stop
the paper from exposing until ready). 
• Carry your work outside and place on the floor in the 
sun. Remove the protective card and expose. 
• Expose the paper until you see an imprint appear. 
This can take anything from 8 to 60 minutes 
depending on the strength of the UV light. An 
average is between 15 - 25 minutes. 
• When exposed, cover with the protective card and 
return to the darkened room. 
• Carefully remove your objects and rinse light 
sensitive paper in cold water if dirty. 
• Place the exposed sheet of light sensitive paper into in the fix tray for 5-7 
minutes. This will stop the paper from exposing and create a permanent 
image. 

• Wash and dry 

Photograms and Chemigrams

Photograms and Chemigrams

photogram

ˈfəʊtəgram/

noun

1. a picture produced with photographic materials, such as light-sensitive paper, but without a camera.  

1. Chemigram
2. The chemigram is a combination of both painting and photography, and lies within the general domain of experimentation in the visual arts. It requires the use of materials from silver halide-based photography (light-sensitive paper, developer, and fixer), but it is not a photograph.

Any objects that are placed onto the light sensitive paper will block the light from getting to the paper, thus making every image different.

Two artists that are to be considered when creating my work was Man Ray and Moholy-Nagy

 

Man Ray - said to be the creator of photograms (rayogram)

Moholy-Nagy 

The more solid or thicker the shape the less light will hit the paper, making the remaining image white.

 Health and safety

• Limit access to the darkroom. Only approved persons should be allowed to work in the room.
• Keep the work area clean and uncluttered to prevent tripping over hazardous chemical bottles.
• Separate the wet and dry areas.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke in the darkroom.
• Always wash hands with soap and warm water after working with chemicals.
• Know how to use emergency equipment prior to an actual emergency.
• Store all chemicals in locations that will minimize the chance of breakage and splashing.
• Do not wash any chemicals down the sink .