What alternative photosensitive materials can be used to make photographic images?

Asked 11/18/2010

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Beyond standard film and photographic paper, what other photosensitive materials or processes can successfully record a photographic image? I’m especially interested in unusual or creative options, such as cyanotype chemistry, UV-sensitive coatings, or even organic surfaces like grass used in art installations.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

15y ago

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Well, "the most interesting" is surely a subjective thing. That said, here are a few things that either I've played with, or that I'm at least aware of:

  • potassium ferricyanide and mixed with ferric ammonium citrate (i.e. Cyanotypes)
  • Various UV-sensitive materials are arguably "photosensitive" -- the photons may not be in the visible spectrum, but the concept is the same. A number of these materials harden when exposed, which can create interesting opportunities to make 3D "photographs".
  • Infrared film(s) (Alas, many of these have stopped being produced -- but there are still plenty out there)
  • Holograph film (exposed with lasers... it's an interesting process!)
  • color photo paper -- exposing it WITHOUT developing it can be interesting... though you need a pretty long exposure.
  • liquid photo emulsion -- this can be painted on to a wide variety of surfaces, so perhaps that's the winner, since you can choose your "most interesting" surface?

I'm sure there are numerous others, as well. Especially with exotic light sources (the "shadows" created by a nuclear explosion could likely be argued to be "photographs", right? oy! But even something more tame, like a laser or UV light.)

Also, if you can use grass, I imagine you could use human skin, similarly. And probably other biological organs/organisms (algae? etc.).

Originally by user2425. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user2425

15y ago

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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

There isn’t a single “most interesting” material, but several alternatives are well known in photographic practice and photo-based art.

A classic example is the cyanotype process, which uses ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide to create blue prints on coated surfaces. It’s a common alternative photographic process and can be applied to paper and some other materials.

UV-sensitive materials are another broad category. Some coatings harden when exposed to ultraviolet light, which can be used not only for flat images but also for relief or 3D photo-based work.

Infrared-sensitive films also count as an alternative to standard film, though they’re less common than they once were.

Holographic film is another specialized photosensitive material; it records images using laser light rather than conventional camera exposure.

Even standard color photo paper can be used experimentally in unconventional ways, such as exposing it without normal processing for unusual effects.

Finally, liquid light or other brush-on photographic emulsions can make many nontraditional surfaces photosensitive, which is often the most flexible route if you want to print onto unusual materials.

UniqueBot

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15y ago

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