Alternative Process Research

Daguerreotype:
The daguerreotype process, formally known as daguerreotypy, was one of the most prevalent photographic processes of the 19th century. Originally, this process was done over an extended period of time, and incorporated the use of silver plated copper and developing chemicals. Under this method, photographers would expose a treated plate in a camera for any given amount of time, so that it would be subject to sunlight. They would then treat the plates with chemical fumes to help yield a clear image. However today, most daguerreotypes are done by photographers trying to mimic the nostalgic time period associated with this particular process. By nature, daguerreotypes are metallic images that often convey the stereotypical "old feeling". In this project, we used digital resources such as photoshop to mimic daguerreotypy within digital images. 

Cyanotype
Similarly to daguerreotype process, cyanotypes reached their peak of popularity in the mid 19th century. This process originally incorporated many intricate steps and resources. The basis of this process can be landmarked by its signature blue and white values, and visible brush strokes left on the specific surface it was printed on. Cyanotypes are often very interesting images in their ability to provide transform and simplify images on a fundamental level

Alternative Process through Digital Means

Each of the photographs below are examples of images that have been transformed through the use of the alternative process. Examples of their original, unedited counterparts can be seen in the blog post below.

Daguerreotype:

This image is a depiction of a sunset over a frozen lake in northern Michigan. I decided to make this specific image a daguerrotype because I felt that the cold and somber composition of the photograph complemented the smooth, metallic characteristics of this specific alternative process. After editing this image in such an explicit way, the photo was entirely transformed, and began to portray a completely different feeling. I particularly like the premise of the daguerreotype because it gives any given photograph a new character, and erases the controlling concept of time and exposer from an image. 

Gum Bichromate:

I took this image hoping to capture the silhouette of the Fremount bridge from its east side. After seeing the result, I decided to edit this image by using the gum bichromate process. I made the decision to use this process because I saw the potential it had to transform the image, and enable it to convey such surreal colors and textures. I decided to use both light and dark colors to bring attention to the shadows of the images subjects. Overall, I was very happy with the outcome of this photograph, and its ability to represent my ability in perfecting the alternative process. 

Cyanotype:

Similar to the image above, this photograph uses the subject of a popular Portland bridge, (the hawthorne), as the main attention grabber in my attempt to create a cyanotype. I enjoy the general composition and aesthetic of this image, and the way that the editing technique was able to enhance the image properties so profoundly. Specifically, the way that the brush strokes are held in comparison to the texture of the river and the dark shadow of the bridge.

Other Alternative Process Images of Interest:

   

Alternative Process: Original Unedited Images

Original Images:

These images are the raw, unedited images prior to their transformation under the alternative process. Each of these photographs have been transformed in a unique way through alternative digital editing. Other variations of these images can be seen in the post above. 

Project 6

This image depicts several shots of bare tree branches overlooking the Willamette river. By layering these multiple images together, I was able to transform what was a boring image into an interesting web of of shadows and lines. The contrast in shades is emphasized by the constant grey background, and the multiple layers of the same subject. I especially like this image because it takes a cold, lifeless subject and transforms it into an intricate body of life. This image exemplifies the power of multiple exposer layers, and displays its ability to transform scenery.   

This HDR is an explicit example of how layering exposers can create a surreal feeling within any given image. I especially like this piece because it takes a fairly normal depiction of the St. Johns bridge, and gives it a science fiction type of feel. The outlines of many subjects are lined with a frost like overcast, that creates a greater contrast when compared to darker shadows. The lush green grass is contrasted to the frosty cold hills above the bridge, however they share a common theme of surrealism. 

This Panorama consists of singular images of the Hawaiian sunset, that were than stitched together using photoshop. I especially like this image because of the way the color shifts from orange to blue as you read across the image from left to right. The clouds overhead reflect individual moods, however when held next to each other they seem to flow together like a river. This image is in keeping with the common theme of surrealism, and uses the natural colors of the landscape to convey two contrasting feelings.   

Other Photos of Interest: 

Panorama

HDR (1)

HDR

Multiple Exposer

Final Emulation

Best Work of Semester 1

Project 5