#Lumen print how to

Because the petals were layered, and the leaves were fresh, (less dense), I wanted to achieve as much detail as possible. I use the standard fixing/washing times for RC or fiber based paper, depending on which I’m using.ĥ Finished Print Voila! This print I exposed for approx 3 hours in the middle of the day. The print is placed into a fixer bath, which bleaches the print, then washed. Now that the print has been developed by The Sun, its time to bring it inside and remove the subject from the paper. It also has to do with how the paper is taped down and the direction of the sun. Here you can see how the water content has spread by noticing the darker portions of the paper. I also check to see if anything has wilted (strong southern sun), which may also affect the print. This step isn’t necessary, but if you use the same paper at the same times of day, in the same season, it becomes easier to gauge exposure times. I also check for condensation, which gives me an idea of how the water content from the subject will spread onto the paper. Sometimes, if I’m very very careful, I will peel back a petal or leaf to see how well exposed it is. I tend to watch over the print as its printing.

Sometimes they curl down and that will show up in the print.ģ Monitor. Watch how ‘the petals fall’ as you place the glass over the subject. This is an RC Paper.Ģ Cover with glass and place outside. Sometimes I take the time to arrange the stars in a particular composition, depending on my subject and desired effect. The metallic stars were simply scattered around the azalea. I then trimmed the leaves and stems, carefully placing them to help frame the flower. I used an azalea picked from my neighborhood. The paper is slightly larger than 5×7, so I arranged my subjects knowing that I will cut the paper to that size.ġ Arrange Your Subject on the paper. I taped down the paper because it came off of a roll so it’s really curly. **Fun Fact: If you use a piece of glass smaller than the paper size, you get a nice “frame” effect.** Its best to experiment with fiber based papers to find the one best suited for your image, as different emulsions create different color combinations

Black & White Photo Paper – RC or Fiber based.

In truth, a UV source is what is needed, but I find the natural factors involving The Sun create dynamic images.

#Lumen print how to

You can pay in person or online.Natasha Sanchez works with Lumen prints and shows us how to make a dreamlike lumen print creation.Ī lumen print is essentially a solar photogram – a camera-less process involving black and white photographic paper, a subject matter that usually (but not always) consists of an organic material, and of course, the most important element – The Sun. Be sure to register for the event by Thursday, December 5th to secure your spot! *These are all suggestions as materials will be provided :)Ī workshop fee of $30 is due at or before the event. There are many places to go grab lunch close by to the Knoxville Darkroom! Snacks are always a good idea, the workshop will be done around 1PM. Jessie will give a brief instruction and some ideas for layering, but mostly it will be you making prints! View Jessie's work at: Her career in fine art includes a faculty position at the Harvey Milk Photo Center in San Fransisco, CA and an Artist In Residence position at the Knoxville Community Darkroom. Your instructor, Jessie Morris, received her BFA from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. You will be making prints within minutes in this exciting workshop as you learn to expose and develop your works. Using sunlight as developer and (mostly) organic objects as subjects, a lumen print makes a creative impression of our physical world.Ĭome learn the fun Lumen process and discover how to apply it in your design and creative process. Lumen printing is an early photographic process developed in the 19th century. All you need is an object and the sun to make these beautiful prints (and a little bit of time).