Open Photogram Session

Photograms are a kind of camera-less photography made in the darkroom in which you place objects directly on a piece of photographic paper and then expose the composition to the enlarger light. The result is a black-and-white image in which solid objects appear white and translucent objects and materials appear in an almost “x-ray” effect caused by light shining through. The contours of the objects are rendered in sharp shapes and lines, sometimes ultra-realistically.

Photograms are a great introduction to photography and the darkroom – if you don’t like your first attempt, just try another one! In this open session, we will have sheets of 8 x 10 paper, chemistry, and a variety of objects on site to start your compositions; feel free to bring your own objects and materials, keeping in mind that darkroom chemistry can stain. Working space is limited in the darkroom, so a max of three people can work on one picture at a time.

This photogram open session is free and open to the public. This activity is best suited for artists age 7+; minors must be accompanied by an adult.