Alternative Processes Without the Sun

If you're feeling the winter blues, you're not alone. With the sun playing hide and seek, it can be tough for artists like us who thrive under its rays. But don't worry, there's a way to keep your creativity glowing even on the darkest days . Remember, winter doesn't mean a full stop to your art. It's the perfect time to explore and experiment new things. I've put together some exciting ideas, handy tips, and unique twists on alternative processes

Build a UV BOX

Creating your own UV box is a fantastic way to continue with alternative photographic processes like cyanotype, salt, and carbon printing during the winter months. The UV box mimics sunlight's UV rays, which are essential for these processes. We created this free UV box building guide which includes instructions on how to use UV light sources, such as UV LED strips or bulbs, and how to construct the box from materials easily sourced from hardware stores. The box's design would ensure an even distribution of UV light over the surface where the photosensitive materials are placed.

Build a Darkroom

Setting up a darkroom is a significant step for any photography enthusiast, especially those interested in photograms, watergrams, liquid emulsion, and traditional darkroom printing. This article includes tips on choosing a suitable space (even a small, windowless room or closet can work), selecting the right chemicals, safe storage and handling practices, and equipment needed such as enlargers, trays, and safelights. The darkroom opens up possibilities for various printing techniques and experimenting with exposure, contrast, and development times.

Paint on Old Prints

This creative approach involves using watercolors or other painting mediums to alter existing cyanotype prints. It is a great way to give a new life to prints that may not have turned out as expected, or to simply add a personal touch. This is Julia Whitney Barnes watercolour on cyanotype.

Negative Manipulation

Altering negatives with household substances like lemon juice, vinegar, soap, or alcohol can yield surprising and unique results. These substances react with the film emulsion in various ways, creating unpredictable textures, colors, and effects.

Film Scratching

Manually scratching film, as done by artists like Bennet Pimpinella here, is another creative technique that can be explored. This method involves physically altering the surface of the film to create new images or animations. It's a meticulous and therapeutic process that requires precision.

Polaroid Lifts

Polaroid lifts involve separating the emulsion from a Polaroid photo and transferring it to a different surface. This technique allows for distortion and manipulation of the image during the transfer, creating a dreamlike, often ethereal effect. This one is by DANIEL J. GRENIER