Mordancage process

Very Large Array, Socorro, New Mexico, Mordançage. Copyright J. Jason Lazarus An example of re-applied emulsion by use of an eyedropper.

Mordançage: Hard-Won Lessons from Six Years in the Darkroom

After six years and more than two dozen prints, J. Jason Lazarus has discovered that Mordançage is far from a straightforward process. Beyond formulas and safety notes lie the real lessons — those learned through torn veils, unpredictable chemistry, and long hours navigating fragile emulsions. Jason shares practical insights, tools, and workflow refinements that have made the process more manageable. Writer and photography / J. Jason Lazarus WARNING: This is … Read more

Mordancage water bath

Mordançage

Mordançage is considered by many to be a specialized, even secretive, alternative process. Through this process, the artist has the power to manipulate the print by physically lifting, repositioning, and securing the pure black portions of a black and white darkroom print. This magical alchemy helps add to the mystique and unique quality of this distinct process. Writer / Cara Lee Wade Photography / Cara Lee Wade, Ethan Ross, Holly … Read more

Working in the Mordançage process

Elizabeth Opalenik learnt the Mordançage process from Jean-Pierre Sudre. She has since then changed it into her own variation. She shares her version of this beautiful process here.