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Early Photographic Processes Project Guide

The document outlines the requirements for Project #3 in the History of Photography course at LaGuardia Community College, focusing on early photographic processes. Students must select one process, submit a proposal by Session 3, and complete the project by Session 11, including five final images and a two-page paper. Resources and links for research and materials are provided to assist students in their experimentation and understanding of historical photographic techniques.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
29 views1 page

Early Photographic Processes Project Guide

The document outlines the requirements for Project #3 in the History of Photography course at LaGuardia Community College, focusing on early photographic processes. Students must select one process, submit a proposal by Session 3, and complete the project by Session 11, including five final images and a two-page paper. Resources and links for research and materials are provided to assist students in their experimentation and understanding of historical photographic techniques.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Course: HUA202. 5878 Monday 5:45-9:05 pm Room: L211 LaGuardia Community College Pg.

1
History of Photography Instructor: Professor Jaimie Gordon fotoprofessor@[Link]

HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT #3: EARLY PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESS

This course is designed primarily as a presentation/lecture/dialogue format. So, the opportunity to explore an early
photographic process hands on, will truly help you to gain an understanding and appreciation for what the early
photo pioneers went through to provide us with our film, cameras, and technology of today. This advanced
alternative photographic project requires basic black & white photographic shooting and printing skills, and should
not be attempted by a student unfamiliar with this technical know-how. You are encouraged to do your own
research on the historic process you select, as well as familiarizing yourself with its noted practitioners.
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You must submit a written proposal in a paragraph or so, describing your project choice by Session 3.
Late Proposals will adversely affect your grade. Completed project due Session 11.

PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS: SELECT ONE EARLY PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESS FOR YOUR PROJECT FROM BELOW
For Pinhole project, you may expose onto paper or sheet film. For other historical processes, you may create larger
format negatives either conventionally or digitally with acetate, for contact printing technique, as well, as using
objects to create composition directly. Negatives may be used from your existing photographic work, or you may
shoot specifically for this project. For cyanotypes and kallitypes, the photo lab will supply and mix the chemical kits
and the lab techs will conduct workshop times for groups of students using the same process. As soon as proposals
are received and tallied, dates will be arranged and posted.

 PINHOLE CAMERA: Make a pinhole camera, or buy a P-Sharan Pinhole camera and create pinhole photographs.
 CYANOTYPES: create blueprint photographs.
 KALLITYPE PRINTS: create platinum/palladium like photographs

REQUIREMENTS: 5 Final Images that correspond to a theme- You must submit five final photographic
images, any size, which result from your experiments. You will have to make trial tests, and trial prints, before you
make images which would be considered as “final prints”. These should be 5 final prints you would feel confident to
have exhibited or on display.

Short Paper: You will also be required to submit a two page double spaced, typed 10 pt. font paper.
Summarize the historical significance of your chosen process, describe your personal experimentations, state your
reasons for selecting the specific subject matter you chose, and how this project will affect your future endeavors
in photography. Begin your research and experimentations early in the semester, so that you will have time to
produce 5 final prints. You do not need to mount/mat images.

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HELPFUL BOOKS:
The Keepers of Light, A History and Working Guide to Early Photographic Processes by William Crawford Out of print/used
Historic Photographic Processes by Richard Farber
The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes by Christopher James
Making Kallitypes: A definitive Guide by Dick Stevens

PROJECT SOURCE INFORMATION: There is an enormous amount of information on the internet about alternative photographic
processes. These links should be very helpful in obtaining materials, process instructions, historical information, and viewing
images created from these processes for inspiration. Also, refer to photo user groups and forums for other input from
photographers who can share their tips and techniques.

PINHOLE CAMERA
[Link] great site run by Eric Renner, considered to be the premier pinhole expert, and enthusiast.
[Link] Kodak instructions
[Link] good info on making exposures

CYANOTYPES, KALLITYPES
[Link] Superb technical instructions for early processes & negatives, gallery, forum, articles…
[Link] The best resource for raw photographic chemicals, specialty formulations, and process kits.
[Link] Very good mail order photographic source specializing in hard to find photographic materials.
[Link] Manufacturer and Supplier of specialty photographic formulations & process kits, Helpful hints
[Link] Excellent FAQ on Alternative Processes
[Link] Good source on making Kallitypes
[Link] Excellent info on Kallitype process

Common questions

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Students are encouraged to conduct research by exploring the historical significance of their chosen photographic process, familiarizing themselves with noted practitioners, and utilizing online resources, books, and forums for guidance. This research is crucial for developing an in-depth understanding of alternative photographic processes and for informed experimentation, which enhances their technical skills and contributes to their artistic growth. This approach fosters critical thinking and allows students to connect historical techniques with contemporary practices .

Resources available to students for learning about early photographic processes include recommended books such as "The Keepers of Light" by William Crawford and "Historic Photographic Processes" by Richard Farber. Furthermore, websites like Pinhole Resource and Alternative Photography offer technical instructions, process kits, and materials. Online forums and user groups provide platforms for knowledge exchange and practical tips from experienced photographers .

Historical practitioners influence the project by serving as a reference point for students' work, providing inspiration, and demonstrating what is achievable with early photographic techniques. Researching these practitioners aids students in understanding the cultural and historical context of their processes, allowing them to better conceptualize their own projects and potentially implement techniques or thematic elements from historical works in their submissions .

Submitting a project proposal by Session 3 is crucial because it ensures students begin their projects with a clear plan and are approved to proceed with their chosen topic. This aids in time management and allows for any necessary adjustments early in the course. Late proposals adversely affect grades, emphasizing the importance of timely planning and commitment, which are critical skills in project management .

Documenting personal experimentation encourages students to critically evaluate their work, understand their creative decisions, and learn from challenges faced during the project. Writing a reflective short paper on this experimentation consolidates learning experiences and can influence their approach to future projects by identifying strengths and areas for improvement. This reflective practice builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential in advancing their photographic careers .

The primary learning outcomes from the "History of Photography Project #3" include gaining understanding and appreciation of early photographic processes by engaging hands-on with them. This involves developing skills in basic black & white photography, shooting, and printing. Students are also expected to conduct independent research on historic processes and practitioners, submit a proposal for their chosen process, and produce final photographic images that correspond to a theme, which contribute to their learning and future endeavors in photography .

The project structure at LaGuardia Community College supports hands-on skills development by requiring students to select and execute an early photographic process, such as creating cyanotypes or using a pinhole camera. The course provides resources like lab spaces and chemical kits for processes like cyanotypes and kallitypes, and workshops conducted by lab technicians offer additional guidance. The students are expected to submit trial prints and conduct experiments early in the semester, which supports iterative learning and skill refinement .

Students are required to have basic black & white photographic shooting and printing skills. These are applied in creating negatives for processes like cyanotypes and kallitypes, and in composing and exposing images using a pinhole camera. The project demands experimental trials and adjustments to achieve desired final prints, underscoring the necessity of these technical skills to succeed in realizing historical photographic techniques .

The requirement to present five photographic images forces students to synthesize their learning and experimentation into a cohesive final product that reflects their understanding of the chosen process. This not only provides tangible outcomes to assess but also encourages thorough engagement with the material and thoughtful application of research, critiquing, and refinement, which culminates in artworks students would feel confident exhibiting .

Chemical kits and lab technicians play a critical support role by providing students with the chemical resources necessary for processes such as cyanotypes and kallitypes and offering guidance through workshops. This support alleviates the technical burdens on students, allowing them to focus more on the creative aspects of their projects and ensuring safe and accurate execution of complex chemical processes .

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