Photograms

For this assignment, students arrange common objects on light-sensitive paper. While working inside a traditional black and white darkroom, the students then expose the paper to light using an enlarger. The result is generally an abstract shape with a myriad of gray tones that is referred to as a Photogram in the art world. The types of shapes and the variety of tones in the finished product depends on the objects that are used, and the length of the exposure time.

Students are asked to consider the entire page when arranging their composition, and to achieve a range of values from black to white, along with some gray values in-between. The best photograms achieve both of these objectives. As well, the student, through their clever use of composition and darkroom technique, transform everyday objects into something brand new and unique. Here are some examples:


Cassandra Cooper


Khalid El-Amin


Marvin Gutierrez


Diana Martinez


Erika Marquez


Dolly Rivera


Maritza Vales

Can you identity any of the objects that are used in the above photograms? In the end, it does not matter if you can or cannot. These photograms are unique objects, separate from their origins, and reflect the unique insights and creativity of the AP photography students at AAEP Gallery 37.

Bill Guy
Teaching Artist
AP Photography