This class investigates a variety of photographic processes that evolved in the second half of the nineteenth century. We will explore the historical and chemical aspects of the following light sensitive silver, iron and palladium salts: photogenic drawings, calotypes paper negatives, cyanotypes, albumen prints, Van Dyke Brown, and palladium and platinum. Each student has the opportunity to print his or her own images with a variety of these processes and to become familiar with the process of making enlarged negatives digitally or in the wet lab. Basic materials are supplied. Students wishing to do additional work with platinum or palladium must furnish their own metallic salts. Students are required to keep a journal, do a research presentation for the midterm and complete a final creative portfolio by the end of term.
