Lumen prints are photographic contact prints. As with a photogram, objects are placed on photographic paper and then exposed to direct sunlight for approximately one hour. Using translucent materials results in broader tonal ranges in the image. The paper is then rinsed in water (Figure 1). The print may then be treated in fixer for a permanent image (Figure 2). The lumen process dispenses with traditional darkroom materials, including an enlarger and a developing bath. Expired and vintage gelatin silver photographic paper is frequently used to create lumen prints. As with photograms, the lumen process produces unique one-of-a-kind photographic prints.
Figure 1. Bob St Cyr, Print before processing in fixer, 2020
Figure 2. Bob St Cyr, A dry print ready to matt, and frame and hand on the wall, 2020
Keywords
Cameraless photography, Lumen, Photogram, Colour, BW
Bibliography
Brough, Des. 2016. "How To Make Lumen Prints". Lomography. https://www.lomography.com/magazine/321837-how-to-make-lumen-prints.
St Cyr, Bob. 2020. A Dry Print Ready To Matt, Frame And Hang On A Wall. Image. https://www.ilfordphoto.com/making-lumen-prints-an-isolation-project/.8 aprilimagelumen print.
———. 2020. Print before processing in fixer. Image. https://www.ilfordphoto.com/making-lumen-prints-an-isolation-project/.
———. 2020. "Making Lumen Prints - An Isolation Project". Ilford Photo. https://www.ilfordphoto.com/making-lumen-prints-an-isolation-project.