Alternative Processes in the Darkroom
"This year, during the third quarter, we did a unit on portrait photography with straight shots and also painted with developer. The whole point was to use techniques of old photography but also to experiment with the chemicals to make something different and one-of-a-kind." - Sam Krupnikoff '19
After learning about lighting techniques in our "studio" (including black backdrop, softbox, modeling lamp, reflector), boys were assigned to take portraits of each other using medium format cameras and 120 film 400 and 100 speed film. Options included using the cable release for self portraits, using the reflector, how much of the body clothed or unclothed, facing camera or not, expression on face, etc.
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This was followed by a week printing the portraits traditionally, and moving into a few techniques including painting developer, masking parts of print, spray developing, etc.
Painting with Developer
Medium format portraits and printing techniques
"The art of the camera has really provided, especially through self-portrait assignments, an opportunity for reflection not usually afforded in the hustle and bustle of daily life at Avon. The presence of art in my education was extremely formative, even more so because it stands out from the rest of my profile. It is very easy to skate though life without going outside the expectations of others, yet it is outside these lines that we can really learn about and develop the self." - Travers Brooks '17