Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 25

Thread: Easy intro to alternative processes

  1. #1

    Easy intro to alternative processes

    I have recently become intrigued with the concept of exploring traditional or "a lternative" photographic processes. Can anyone recommend one or two fairly simp le processes? My research seems to point toward cyanotype and kallitype as goo d starting processes. POP, or printing-out-paper, also seems like a simple, fun way to start. I will be using 4 x 5 for now, and will likely move up to 8 X 10 or even larger if my early efforts pan out. Also, toxicity to myself and family are, of course, a concern, so a fairly non-lethal process would be nice. I pla n on using Ilford FP4+ film. Thanks for your suggestions everybody!

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Apr 2000
    Posts
    149

    Easy intro to alternative processes

    You might consider Vandyke Brown. There is an article about it by Wynn White on my web site at http://unblinkingeye.com/Articles/Vandyke/vandyke.html. Salted paper is easy too.

  3. #3

    Easy intro to alternative processes

    Ken: With all due respect, Sir, you mentioned a non-lethal process. That being said...may I inquire as to what you consider a lethal process...in photographic chemistry> Aside from glacial acetic acid which is not in common usage...at least in my area..what might lethal chemistry be? Just curious. Thanks.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Jun 2000
    Location
    Redondo Beach
    Posts
    547

    Easy intro to alternative processes

    I just made the jump to LF to contact print and the book that got me thinking about the alternative process is called 'THE KEEPERS OF LIGHT-A History & Working Guide To Early Photographic Processes by William Crawford. I ordered it from Photographers formulary many years ago if memory serves me right.

    A very involved history book, also a comprehensive 'how to' instruction manual on the alternative processes, the book is simple and enjoyable with plenty of images.

    A treasure of information, at least for me.

    Ciao
    Jonathan Brewer

    www.imageandartifact.bz

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Greenbank, WA
    Posts
    2,605

    Easy intro to alternative processes

    Richard: There is a very interesting book called "Overexposure" which is a guide to the toxicity of common darkroom materials. There are many, many photographic agents which can be highly toxic. Enough of something highly toxic can be "lethal," though how much and how often it will take will vary. From what I've read, mishandled Pyro can be very bad news, just to choose one example. There are older photographic processes which use mercury fumes to sensitize plates to pick another. My 1940's Kodak book on photographic formulas lists a formula for Uranium Toner. A concern about toxicity is not unreasonable with respect to processes which started back when much less was known about the health effects of some chemicals. As to glacial acetic acid, I thought that was the core ingredient of most stop baths and hardly rare, it is an off the shelf Kodak item. I imagine if you drank it straight you could get pretty sick and/or die from it. Some ingredients, like Pyro, require care which goes beyond the obvioius "don't drink this" sort of caution.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Jun 2000
    Location
    Redondo Beach
    Posts
    547

    Easy intro to alternative processes

    I have always used a respirator during my woodworking days. Lungs underwent 20 years of abuse during my smoking period and I didn't want to fill them with dust, so without fail I used my respirator even though some of my brother woodworkers would laugh.

    I want to see my kids grow up so I will research what cartridges I'll need that'll protect while I'm contact printing in my garage(no way I'll take a chance on tracking any of this into the house to come into contact w/my kids).

    A lot of woodworkers I know who scowled at dust masks and respirators for years are suffering terribly from the cumulative effects of fine dust in their lungs. Exposure to chemicals are probably just as bad because like breathing in cigarette smoke, or inhaling fine dust while you're woodworking you don't get sick right away. You'll pay later, and you fool yourself into thinking later will never come.

    It's a pain in the ass to wear a respirator, but wear one for you and your family.

    Ciao
    Jonathan Brewer

    www.imageandartifact.bz

  7. #7

    Easy intro to alternative processes

    Ken:

    Cyanotype and Van Dyke Brown are probably the most basic alternative processes. Of the two, Van Dyke Brown is slightly more involved since the prints have to be fixed. Cyanotypes are simply exposed then washed. POP is another possibility given the relative availability of pre-coated paper. The downside is that POP requires gold toning and your negatives have to be more closely matched to the density requirements of the process. Most of the alternative processes require negatives of a specific density range, but cyanotype seems to be more flexible and forgiving.

    If you opt for cyanotype, here are a few suggestions. First, use the pre-mixed, two bottle solution sold by Photgrapher's Formulary. The pre-mixed solutions will cut down the amount of chemical preparation and help improve safe handling. Second, Find a printmaking/watercolor paper that has a proven track record. Not all papers work the same with cyanotype and you may be disappointed with the process due to paper-related issues. I would suggest Arches 140lb hot press since the paper is heavily sized and will prevent the coating solution from bleeding too deeply into the paper surface. Many printmaking papers are moderately or lightly sized and these papers perform differently. Third, avoid exposure systems that produce intense heat, especially if you are using original negatives. There are many choices in this area including the sun. I would suggest a set-up made from a standard flourescent fixture with four black light bulbs. If you use this type of unit (mounted about 12 inches from your paper) exposure times will vary from 20-30 minutes.

    I hope this helps. Good luck.

    ..............................

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Dec 1998
    Posts
    405

    Easy intro to alternative processes

    Most of the stuff I shoot is intended for POP as the final product. Try Chicago Albumen Works' Centennial POP toned in gold borax. It's easy to use and has an unbelievable tonal range. If you really want to get into making your own papers, try albumen, cyanotype, van dyke brown or kallitypes, as others have already mentioned. You might also want to review some of the publications out there, such as: Historic Photographic Processes by Richard Farber (a good beginner's guide) or The Albumen & Salted Paper Book by James Reilly (out of print but available in PDF on my web site).

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Dec 1998
    Posts
    405

    Easy intro to alternative processes

    Sorry about that link to the Farber book. Cutting and pasting that huge address from Amazon's site just didn't produce the results I wanted.

  10. #10

    Easy intro to alternative processes

    In London, Silverprint are especially useful for supplies - their web- site has some good intros to various technbiques, including my personal favourite, Gum Bichromate. http://www.silverprint.co.uk/index1.html Scroll down to "Alternative Processes"

Similar Threads

  1. ULF, alternative processes and the environment
    By Marco Annaratone in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 7-Aug-2006, 02:16
  2. Workshop Announcement; Intro to LF; Eastern Sierra
    By Michael Gordon in forum Style & Technique
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 13-May-2005, 03:03
  3. homemade gelatin printing on glass using alternative processes.
    By ed kang in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 24-Jan-2002, 12:05
  4. LF Lenses intro
    By J.L. Kennedy in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 20-Oct-1999, 23:21

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •