Earth Plate Chemigram | Cameraless Photography

I found a box of expired Ilford paper from my days at Parsons, so I decided to do some experimental work with it like the Chemigram and Lumen Print.

A Lumen print is a cameraless photography experimental process. When I researched the process, I found it lacked detail, but after several attempts, I got the hang of it again.

Materials and AL Links:

Objects- Preferably Transparent or Textured
A darkish room with running water- this will act as your "darkroom" I used my tub
Experiments: This can be any household chemical, it is used to alter the chemical combination. Some ideas: Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide, oil, perfume, sprays, clorox, etc. Anything you can find: try it out!

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Set Up Three Stations with your objects nearby:
1A. First: Red Light Overhead
1B. Second: UV Light Overhead, Turned off until paper is ready to be exposed
1C. Third: "The Darkishroom", I used my tub. Set up the Red Light. Place two plastic bins in the tub: One is the Fixer (1Part Fix: 9 Parts Water) and the other is the "Wash" which is just regular water, preferably running or changed often
2. Take out a piece of paper without exposing the rest of the paper too much
3. Add objects to the paper
4. If the objects are flat, you can add a piece of transparent plexiglass on top.
5. Expose to the sun for 10-20 minutes (trial and error here)
6. Place the Paper in the light-proof bag.
7. Take the red light and print to the bathroom where the "Darkish Room" is set up. Close the door
8. Use the tongs to place the print into the Fixer, and move the liquid around for approx 2 minutes, this is when the exposed image will come to its final form.
9. Use the tongs to place the print into the water bath for around 20 minutes. This prevents the paper from yellowing
*The use of tongs is necessary, too much use of the hands and your fingers will turn white and smelly. Some people also use gloves but it can be tedious.
10. After the Wash bath, I cake the print and stick it to my bathroom wall, wiping off any excess liquid that can cause stains later.
11. When it is dry, place it on a table with a paper towel underneath.
12. If the paper curls, place a book on top of it for a few days.

HAVE FUN!!