Tutor: Brittonie Fletcher
Photography’s birth is typically understood as being in the mid-19th Century and while the term “photography” was coined then, experimentation with optical devices, as well as photochemical properties and reactions has been explored for centuries.
While digital media’s popularity has surpassed mass use of chemical photography (now thought of as “alternative photography”) there has been a strong movement to re-embrace these printing practices. This course will introduce you to a beautiful printing process which gained popularity around the turn of the 20th century.
We will begin with one pre-prepared negative* and delve into the rich tonal range and process of the Pt/PD print and explore the benefits of marrying contemporary digital technology with this fantastic analogue process.
This course is suitable for beginners and experienced photographers wanting to brush up on skills and learn some new tricks. It is also an exciting introduction to Alternative Processes and will provide excellent structure for future exploration and enable you to work confidently on your own creative projects.
The course will:
- Include a short history of the process
- Guide you through the steps involved in chemical preparation
- Enable you to walk in the footsteps of Alfred Stieglitz, Margaret Watkins or F. Holland Day
- Provide you with comprehensive instructions so that you can make your own prints on your own
Please note: sample negatives and photogram material will be provided to work with if you do not have your own images.
Course Outline:
Day 1
- Summary overview of the processes
- Explanation of all equipment and chemistry
- Relevant chemical Health and Safety
- Discussion of different papers and materials
- Discussion on environment
- Preparing solutions
- Chemistry application
- Exposing & developing
Day 2
- Discussion of correct mediums for digital negatives and negative density
- Further chemistry application
- Exposing & developing
- Chemistry adjustment
- Different development techniques
- Experimentation with Platinum over inkjet
* One negative will be prepared for you in advance of the course. Please email a single image file at least 1 week in advance of the course start date. Image files should be 300dpi resolution and approximately 2000 pixels on its longest side. Please email if you have any questions or would prefer to have sample images provided for you.
Please read our cancellation policy before booking.
Students, anyone over the age of 65, and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout.
