Whether you are new and want to learn alternative photographic processes or an old hand there is always something new to explore. There are so many processes to experiment with. If you are looking for a specific process you can find it in the A-Z of alternative photographic processes
Getting started – learn alternative photographic processes WITHOUT a darkroom
If you are a newbie you may not have access to a darkroom or expensive equipment. Don’t let that stop you, it doesn’t have to be hard. Several can be done with what you probably have at home:
- Cyanotype process – a good starting point
- Anthotypes – totally environmentally friendly
- Photosynthesis – photographs on leaves
Getting started – learn alternative photographic processes WITH a darkroom
If you are lucky enough to have access to a darkroom, there are easy processes you can get started with right away:
- Chemigrams – darkroom fun
- Lumen prints – scan immediately OR fix in the darkroom
- Pinholes – build your own camera
Skill builders
Advancing your skills and ready to learn more complicated alternative photographic processes?
- Gum bichromate – pigment printing and wonderful colours
- Vandykes – a printing-out process (POP) making sepia-toned prints
- Modern tintypes – the old process in a spray can
- Photogravure – photographic printmaking
Advanced techniques
When you are ready to jump into the deep end of the pool:
- Carbon printing – making tissue and transferring prints
- Kallitypes – similar to Vandykes but with a larger range of colour and contrast
- Platinum prints – setting prints in precious metals
- Wetplate collodions – if you see an “old” photograph in a film, this is usually it
- Salt prints – using salt to make paper and produce reddish brown images
So, now you can hopefully get started. If it still feels daunting, don’t hesitate to join the very helpful Facebook community, get a book to support you or browse the galleries to find inspiration. Good luck!
