In the digital age, where photography is predominantly driven by pixels on screens and instant gratification, alternative printing processes offer a refreshing change. These processes, rooted in the history of photography, provide unique and artistic ways to create prints. In this article, we will explore some popular alternative printing processes, including cyanotype, Van Dyke brown, gum bichromate, and platinum/palladium printing.

Cyanotype

Cyanotype is one of the oldest alternative printing processes, invented by Sir John Herschel in 1842. It produces distinct blue-toned prints, which give it a timeless and ethereal quality. The process involves coating a paper or any other suitable material with a solution of iron salts (ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide). When exposed to UV light, a chemical reaction occurs, resulting in a deep blue color.

To create a cyanotype print, you need to prepare a light-sensitive solution by mixing equal parts of the two chemicals mentioned above. This solution is then applied to the chosen material, typically watercolor paper. Once dry, the material is placed under a negative or objects, and exposure to sunlight or UV light source creates the image. After exposure, the print is washed in water to remove unexposed chemicals, revealing the final image.

Reading more:

Cyanotype prints have a beautiful, dreamy quality with rich blue tones, making them perfect for artistic and experimental work. Photographers often use cyanotype for creating photograms, which involve placing objects directly onto the coated surface to create unique and abstract compositions.

Van Dyke Brown

Van Dyke brown printing is another historic alternative process that produces warm, sepia-toned prints. Named after the famous Flemish painter Anthony van Dyck, this process was popularized by photographers in the late 19th century. Van Dyke brown prints have a classic, vintage aesthetic reminiscent of early photographs.

To create a Van Dyke brown print, you need to coat paper with a sensitizer made from ferric ammonium citrate and tartaric acid. Once dry, the paper is exposed to UV light under a negative or objects. The exposure time can vary depending on factors such as the density of the negative and desired tonal range. After exposure, the print is developed in water and fixed in a sodium carbonate solution.

Van Dyke brown prints offer a wide tonal range, from warm sepia tones to deep browns. They have a painterly quality and are particularly well-suited for landscapes, portraits, and still life photography.

Reading more:

Gum Bichromate

Gum bichromate printing is a versatile and expressive alternative process that allows for creative manipulation of color and texture. This process involves coating paper with a mixture of gum arabic, potassium dichromate, and pigment. When exposed to UV light, the gum hardens and binds the pigment to the paper, creating an image.

To create a gum bichromate print, a mixture of gum arabic, pigment, and a binder (such as watercolor paint or carbon black) is prepared. This mixture is then applied to a suitable paper, typically watercolor paper, and allowed to dry. The coated paper is then exposed to UV light under a negative or objects. After exposure, the print is developed by washing off the unhardened gum and pigment layers, revealing the final image.

Gum bichromate prints offer a wide range of possibilities in terms of color and texture. The process allows for multiple layers of pigment and selective manipulation, resulting in unique and expressive prints. It also provides an opportunity to combine photography with other artistic techniques, such as painting and drawing.

Platinum/Palladium Printing

Platinum/palladium printing is a highly regarded alternative process known for its exceptional tonal range, archival stability, and subtle beauty. This process involves coating paper with a solution of platinum and/or palladium salts, which are then exposed to UV light. The iron-based paper reacts with the salts, resulting in metallic platinum or palladium particles embedded in the paper fibers.

Reading more:

To create a platinum/palladium print, a mixture of platinum and/or palladium salts is combined with a photosensitive agent, typically ferric oxalate. This solution is then applied to a suitable paper, such as watercolor paper or specially designed platinum/palladium paper. After drying, the coated paper is exposed to UV light under a negative. The print is then developed, cleared, and fixed using a series of chemical baths.

Platinum/palladium prints have a distinct and luxurious look, characterized by rich blacks, delicate mid-tones, and a luminous quality. They offer excellent image permanence and can last for generations without significant fading or deterioration.

Conclusion

Alternative printing processes provide photographers with a chance to step away from the digital realm and explore historical and artistic techniques. Cyanotype, Van Dyke brown, gum bichromate, and platinum/palladium printing offer unique aesthetic qualities and creative possibilities. Whether you seek the ethereal blue tones of cyanotype, the warm sepia hues of Van Dyke brown, the expressive color manipulations of gum bichromate, or the subtle beauty of platinum/palladium prints, these alternative processes allow for experimentation and personal expression in photography. Embrace the charm of these alternative methods and discover a new dimension in your photographic journey.

Similar Articles: