Platinum/Palladium and Cyanotype Alternative Processes Workshop
© Norma C. Smith
Platinum/palladium and cyanotype printing are two of the earliest methods of producing photographic images. Although the chemistry is different, these two techniques share archival permanence and tonal values that have an almost three-dimensional quality. Platinum/ palladium prints range in tones from neutral to a warm brown and cyanotype prints are traditionally a blue tone (although with cyanotypes, the class will be experimenting with print toning to produce additional colors). This six-week workshop offers students hands-on experience in print making using both processes. Students will learn how to choose the best negative contrast, and how to coat, expose, and process his or her paper or fabric. Since both techniques are contact printing processes and require negatives the same size as the desired print, there will be a demonstration of traditional darkroom techniques for making enlarged negatives, as well as a discussion of making negatives digitally using ink jet printers. This highly experimental workshop will provide participants with a basic understanding of the platinum/palladium and cyanotype mediums and the ability to use each in order to add new spice to their images.
Norma C. Smith is an artist and an educator and has been working in the field of photography for over 30 years. Platinum/palladium printing has been one of her favorite ways of making prints since learning the technique in 1985. Her treatise on making enlarged negatives for platinum/palladium printing was referenced by Dick Arentz in his book Platinum & Palladium Printing. Her current work concentrates on still life and landscape using both large and small format cameras. An advisory board member for Freestyle Photographic Supplies, Norma currently teaches photography at Art Center College of Design and curates the gallery at the 24th Street Theatre in Los Angeles.
