A lumen print is a type of solar photogram – essentially, an image created directly on photographic paper using sunlight for exposure.
Understanding Lumen Prints
Lumen printing is a simple, lensless photographic process that doesn't involve cameras or darkroom chemicals in the traditional sense. It harks back to the very beginnings of photography. As one of photography's earliest experiments, this technique originated in the 19th century.
Here's a breakdown:
- Solar Photogram: This means an image made without a camera by placing objects directly onto light-sensitive material and exposing it to light.
- Photographic Paper: Light-sensitive paper, typically black and white silver-gelatin paper, is used.
- Exposed by the Sun: The key light source is natural sunlight. The longer the exposure and the stronger the sun, the more the paper reacts.
How Lumen Printing Works
The process is straightforward and accessible:
- Place objects (like leaves, flowers, or other translucent items) directly onto the surface of photographic paper.
- Secure the objects to ensure good contact with the paper (often using a sheet of glass).
- Expose the arrangement to direct sunlight.
- The sunlight reacts with the silver compounds in the paper where it hits directly or filters through the objects, creating unique colors and tones. Areas blocked by opaque objects remain lighter.
- The resulting image is often left unfixed, allowing it to continue changing color over time, or it can be fixed to preserve the image, though fixing can alter the colors.
Examples of Subjects:
- Botanicals (leaves, flowers, stems)
- Feathers
- Lace or fabric
- Everyday objects with interesting shapes
Lumen prints are known for their unique, often earthy color palette, which can range from yellows, reds, and browns to purples and grays, depending on the paper type, the objects used, and the length of exposure.
