This course is intended for those who wish to explore conventional alternative process photographic printmaking with the creation and use of digital negatives. Our emphasis is on learning the process in which the photographer obtains an image and converts it to a digital negative suitable for printing. The photographer then creates a print and refines results using digital and chemical controls to create a final print.
Most alternative process printing techniques require the use of a strong ultraviolet light source to form an image in the photographic sensitizer on coated papers. A light source can be from that great ball of ultraviolet light in the sky but is typically and more controllable obtained from a sunlamp or UV light box. A negative is placed in contact with the coated paper and exposed to the UV light source. Unlike conventional silver printing, the UV light cannot effectively be projected through an enlarger with enough energy to expose the paper and produce an image. So in order to make a photograph the negative must be the same size as the final print.
In the past, this limited the creation of these photographic prints to those with a large format camera. No longer. A photographer may start with an image obtained from a negative, from an existing print, or from a digital file. Image characteristics are managed in computer software to make it suitable for printing in the intended process. The image is then converted from a “positive” into a “negative” and printed to very high quality transparency material. Sounds easy enough. Well, it is and it isn’t. Just as with conventional film negatives a digital negative must exhibit adequate contrast and tonal range for the intended process. Further, the printer inks must be managed not for visual appeal as with conventional printing but instead to effectively transmit and block UV light for a correct exposure.
There are a variety of means used to create a digital negative. In this class we will begin by using the Photoshop (registered trademark) “curves” function to create negatives suitable for printing as a cyanotype and as a kallitype. This will open the discussion and practice of creating suitable curves for your intended printing process. We will use computer scanners and printers to manage the tonal range of your image. You will then learn to evaluate your results, create the adjustment curve, & adjust it’s tonal range characteristics until it meets your printing requirements.
The participant is not required to be an expert in Photoshop. Nevertheless an understanding of basic Photoshop controls; layers, levels, brightness & contrast, converting from color to b&w, image sizing, the curves function, etc. is necessary. Individuals who question their computer skills should discuss their competencies prior to attending to ensure they will succeed in this course.
What to Bring:
Notebook, pen/pencil, Willingness to learn, Patience
A more specific list of all equipment and materials needed will be sent to you via e-mail in advance of your course.
Save up to 25% off tuition
An early registration by the 30th of April 2014 qualifies for a 15% discount on your workshop tuition.
**Register and attend two classes consecutively and receive one night of your B&B stay free also receive a 10%
Discount off the second weeks tuition
Remember our bring a friend Discount 10% is available when you both sign up for the same workshop
Workshops In Montana
7079 Hwy 83
Condon Montana 59826
406-754-2891
formulary@blackfoot.net
www.workshopsinmt.com