Photograms
A photogram is an image made without a camera by placing objects directly onto the surface of some form of light-sensitive material for example, photographic paper then after this process exposing it to light to create a unique effect.
The usual outcome is a negative shadow image that shows variations in tone however this is dependent on the transparency of the objects that have been used within the set up. Areas of the paper that have received no light appear white and those exposed through transparent or semi-transparent objects appear a darker shade of grey.
The technique is sometimes referred to as camera-less photography. It was primarily used by Man Ray in his exploration of rayographs. Other photographers who have experimented with the technique include László Moholy-Nagy, Christian Schad, Imogen Cunningham and Pablo Picasso.
Man Ray produced major works in a variety of media but considered himself a painter above all. He was best known for his photography, and he was initially a fashion and portrait photographer. Man Ray is also well known for his work with photograms, which he called rayographs in reference to himself. Ray made his photograms without a camera by placing objects-such as the thumbtacks, coil of wire, and other circular forms used here-directly on a sheet of photosensitized paper and exposing it to light. Hovering between the abstract and the realism outlook, the photograms appealed and inspired Surrealist writers and painters who followed his works.
A photogram is an image made without a camera by placing objects directly onto the surface of some form of light-sensitive material for example, photographic paper then after this process exposing it to light to create a unique effect.
The usual outcome is a negative shadow image that shows variations in tone however this is dependent on the transparency of the objects that have been used within the set up. Areas of the paper that have received no light appear white and those exposed through transparent or semi-transparent objects appear a darker shade of grey.
The technique is sometimes referred to as camera-less photography. It was primarily used by Man Ray in his exploration of rayographs. Other photographers who have experimented with the technique include László Moholy-Nagy, Christian Schad, Imogen Cunningham and Pablo Picasso.
Man Ray produced major works in a variety of media but considered himself a painter above all. He was best known for his photography, and he was initially a fashion and portrait photographer. Man Ray is also well known for his work with photograms, which he called rayographs in reference to himself. Ray made his photograms without a camera by placing objects-such as the thumbtacks, coil of wire, and other circular forms used here-directly on a sheet of photosensitized paper and exposing it to light. Hovering between the abstract and the realism outlook, the photograms appealed and inspired Surrealist writers and painters who followed his works.
