Photogram

Photogram is an image reproduction done without the aid of a camera. To transfer the image onto photographic paper, an object is placed directly on top of the photosensitive paper and then exposed to light. The result is a silhouette of the object that will be more or less dark depending on how translucent the object used is. Pablo Picasso himself experimented with the x-ray-like method of image reproduction.

Either the sun or the light from an enlarger is suitable for exposure. After light exposure, the paper is chemically treated in the same manner as traditional negatives.

William Henry Fox Talbot and Anna Atkins were two earlier users of this method of capturing images. Oftentimes, each used objects in nature, such as leaves or other botanical species, as subjects of their photograms.

Currently, photograms are generally used for artistic effect to create surreal images, rather than for “true life” or accurate image reproduction.