Category: alt photo

Testing Paper Sizing — alt processes

Posted on Posted in alt photo, exs notebook, How To

Paper sizing provides paper internal strength, making it more durable so that we can handle it without damage. There is a trade off made about resistance and paper characteristics. Most art papers have an internal size introduced during manufacture.
Chemical processes useful for photography are liquid so will wet the paper and sink into it. This may weaken it to the point of damage. The paper may be so absorbant that the ’emulsion’ sinks into the paper beyond useful range. This would be the case in a pigment process where the unexposed portion of the image must be washed away. If the unexposed portion of the ’emulsion’ won’t wash off, then there won’t be light tones in the image.
Most people automatically size papers for use in the pigment-colloid processes (gum, carbon). It is easy to test the paper for sizing need. Equally easy to check the suitable sizing procedure.

mix the base color with colloid. drop onto the paper. do not sensitize the mixture. allow it to dry, then wash it off. If this washes out, your paper doesn’t need any sizing. it is unlikely this will be the case. the ‘paint’ will likely stick to the surface fibers of the paper. Next step is to mix your sizing and apply. Run the ‘paint’ step again. If the paper clears, you have a good size procedure. With this known, you can proceed to make your carbons, gums, confident that any clearing problem isn’t because of paper sizing.

Better Class of Photographs

Posted on Posted in alt photo, coursenotes, meaning, webionaire

classifying print by significant or consequential process result so that an archivist or curator can know what to do to preserve or present

classifying prints by final output.

  • A print: analog, including ‘alt’ non-silver print
  • C print: aka, Type-C. chromogenic color print
  • D print: digital print. replaces calling them giclee, or inkjet or

it may take more than one picture as reference or notation about the exhibition print, but that shouldn’t be uncomfortable to those who have experienced print translations.

  • E prints

what you are responding to is an E-print, a screen image. If that prompts your action then good. Most people say their work is better in person; some so great that, like the face of enlightenment,  it can’t be shown in lesser surrounds. They are wrong. Most work doesn’t gain meaning in physical space – it remains just as dull as most of those online posers whose work would be much better in person.