How to Create a Photogram Effect with a Digital Process

Last week we learned about Camera-less photography and traditional Photograms (Missed it? Click here to view examples and the process). The difference between the original and digital processes means that the results of any digital technique can’t really be called a photogram as such (I’ll call it a photogram effect). Nevertheless, there are digital processes that do hearken back to the appearance of the photogram.

What is a Photogram?

A photogram is a photographic image made without the use of a camera. The photogram process usually involves placing objects directly onto a photosensitive medium like photo-paper and exposing the arrangement to light. The result is a negative rendering of the objects, creating delicate studies of the interplay between light and various degrees of transparency.

The photogram technique was famously used by Man Ray in his explorations of rayographs. Other artists like László Moholy-Nagy and Christian Shad used this process in their art.

PROJECT OBJECTIVE: I will synthesize my understanding of the elements and principles in my photogram composition, which will include a strong focal point, movement and theme.

How to Create a Digital Photogram Effect

Step 1: Gathering Your Supplies

To create your photogram effect, there are a few things you will need:

dark(ish) room

tablet or laptop
cell phone or digital camera
piece of white paper
selection of objects of different transparencies
tripod (optional)

Step 2: Setting Up & Shooting Photos

Watch this video for success:

Gather your objects of various transparencies.
On the laptop or tablet go to SETTINGS and DISPLAY and make sure your screen's brightness is all the way up.
Open PowerPoint, select BLANK PRESENTATION> select SLIDE SHOW, and FROM CURRENT SLIDE. You should be presenting a bright white screen now.
Flip your laptop screen so it is a tablet and lay flat on the ground face up.
Place the sheet of thin white paper over the screen.
Arrange objects on the paper so that you have a dynamic composition that has a strong focal point, sense of movement and variety of transparencies. (1/2 YOUR GRADE IS ARRANGEMENT! Spend time on this).
Once your have arranged your objects, turn off the lights, close the curtains, do what you can to darken your surroundings. You don’t need complete darkness to create a photogram effect, but working in darker conditions does make the effect a little more pronounced.
If you want to use a tripod, get set up so the camera is positioned squarely over the laptop or tablet. (OPTIONAL)
Aim your camera so it is square with the dimensions of the laptop or tablet screen. Set your focus and take a shot (make sure there are no shadows of your body in the frame).
Rearrange your objects or try new ones and take another shot.

Next class, we will take the photos of 3 different arrangements you love. Here's an example:

The following class, we will learn what to do in POST-PRODUCTION to create the Photogram effect.