The volume presents the results of a four-year inter-institutional, interdisciplinary research initiative led and organized by the National Gallery of Art. Contributions by 47 leading photograph conservators, scientists, and historians provide detailed examinations of the chemical, material, and aesthetic qualities of this important class of rare, beautiful, and technically complex photographs. The volume will help those who care for photograph collections gain a thorough appreciation of the technical and aesthetic characteristics of platinum and palladium prints and scientific basis for their preservation.
Platinotype: Making Photographs in Platinum and Palladium with the Contemporary Printing-out Process describes the mechanisms and chemistry of platinum/palladium printing in safe and practical ways. Clearly presented formulae allow the printer to work with platinum, palladium, or varying combinations of both. The printed-out image appears fully during exposure, and only requires simple and safe steps for clearing to a stable, archival state. The authors explain what makes the image, how all necessary components are prepared and used, and the kind of paper and negative needed to make prints. More than just a technical manual, the book underscores the authors' belief that printing is a creative, scientific, and philosophic way of working. The book presents an outstanding collection of prints by over 40 artists, all made with this printing-out process. The artists' notes and comments offer insights into their methods and thinking, and a large number of full-page reproductions serve as a valuable reference for the aspiring printer. The book includes: A list of supplies and equipment A detailed chemical glossary A Quick-start section in the Preface Summary sheets and workflows for each step of the process Instructions for making traditional negatives with Pyro PMK and digital negatives Explanation of the chemistry and dynamics of paper, and how to use buffered papers Instructions for controlling hydration processes and humidity Instructions for preparing each chemical solution needed for the process Discussion about the aesthetics of the platinum/palladium print Explanation of the relationships between light, image, and expression A detailed troubleshooting list Recommendations from conservators about processing, handling, and conservation Contemporary artists using the printing-out platinum/palladium process. Learning how to make platinum/palladium prints has been cloaked in a mystique of difficulty. Platinotype presents the process as a set of clearly explained and defined steps. Like other books in the series, Platinotype is a detailed and inspiring manual, accessible to both novices and experts, and illustrative of the contemporary arts.
This is the new, revised and significantly extended third edition. Platinum/palladium prints are renowned for their grace and beauty. The process was invented in the nineteenth century and still thrives as 'The Reigning Queen' of fine art photographic printing. The Platinum Printing Workshop, now in its third edition, shows you how to make beautiful platinum/palladium prints. It guides you through your first decisions, and then moves on to more advanced topics such as how the image is formed, techniques for contrast control, and the power of humidity. With 212 pages, this book covers the traditional 'Developing-Out' process with all its main variants (A+B, Dichromate and Na2), plus the 'Printing-Out' processes (Malde-Ware and Ziatype). New in this edition is an extensive 33 page formulary detailing the materials, recipes and usage of the platinum/palladium chemistry. The author's accessible and jargon-free style makes this book easy to read, and helps you to start to make great prints straight away. Please note that this book contains nudity.
The authors explain methods to produce a perfect negative and describe some of the processes that were used in the last century. They also explain new innovations in film and paper technology.
Polymer Photogravure: A Step-by-Step Manual Highlighting Artists and Their Creative Practice is a three-part book on the non-toxic process of making ink-on-paper intaglio prints from continuous-tone photographs using water-etched photopolymer plates. Author Clay Harmon provides clear and easy to understand instructions that will enable anyone to successfully make a photogravure print. By quantifying the sensitometric behavior of polymer plates, Harmon has developed a methodical approach which will enable a new printmaker to produce plates in their own studio with a minimum of time and wasted materials. Section One provides a straightforward guide to setting up the polymer photogravure studio. Section Two covers a step-by-step method of making the print from start to finish. Section Three showcases contemporary artists’ works, illustrating the variety and artistic breadth of contemporary polymer intaglio printmaking. The works in these pages range from monochrome to full color, and represent a variety of genres, including still lifes, portraits, nudes, landscapes, urban-scapes and more. Featuring over 30 artists and 200 full-color images, Polymer Photogravure is a most comprehensive overview of this printmaking process in print. Key topics covered include: Studio safety Equipment and supplies, evaluated from both a cost and utility point of view A brief discussion of the types of ink-based printing Aquatint screen considerations Image preparation and positive printing on inkjet printers Paper preparation A simple and efficient polymer plate calibration process that minimizes wasted time and materials A straightforward inking, wiping and printing method Advanced printing techniques such as chine collé, à la poupée, and printing on wood Troubleshooting guide to platemaking and printing problems Tips on editioning and portfolios A visual survey of the range of artistic expression practiced by contemporary artists Sources for supplies and recommended reading Polymer photogravure plates enable an artist to use an almost-infinite range of image color and papers to make a print. The finished prints are extremely archival, consisting of only ink and paper. With Harmon’s instructions, continuous tone intaglio prints are within the reach of all.
A complete manual for making high quality digital negatives for contact printing on alternative photographic processes. Describes two different methods, one using the Epson printer driver and the other using the Quadtone RIP.
Workshop Stories: Changed Through Photography is an exquisite cloth-bound volume with dust jacket, containing stories, essays, and beautiful photography by over 100 of the world's finest photographic workshop teachers.
Relief printing : woodcut, metal type, and wood engraving -- Intaglio and planographic printing : engraving, etching, mezzotint, and lithography -- Color printing : hand coloring and multiple-impression color -- Bits and pieces : modern art prints, oddities, and photographic precursors -- Early photography in silver : daguerreotypes, early silver paper processes and tintypes -- Non-silver processes : carbon, blueprint, platinum, and a couple of others -- Modern photography : developing-out gelatin silver printing -- Color notes : primary colors and neutrality -- Color photography : separation-based processes and chromogenic prints -- Photography in ink : relief and intaglio printing : the letterpress halftone and gravure printing -- Photography in ink : planographic printing : collotype and photo offset lithography -- Digital processes : binary issues, inkjet, dye sublimation, and digital C-prints -- Where do we go from here? : some questions about the future
