Rayograms

Similar to my collages, I found that in my rayograms there was a significant amount of randomness. I wasn't trying for something specific but just to experiment for the first time in the darkroom. Also I found it fun to mess around with the aperture to make the composition more grey or more black and white. Taking things like leaves, tape and common stuff, I was able to put together some great abstract compositions.

Working in the dark room was awesome. I found it to be a lot of fun. First, I would set up what I wanted my composition to look like, then I would grab some photo paper set it in the framer and turn on the light for around 7 to 8 seconds. When that was done, I put the paper in the developer for 1 to 2 minutes where my picture developed. Then for about 30 seconds I put my paper in the stopper to stop it from developing anymore than I wanted it to. After that I put the picture in the fixer for 2 to 5 minutes before finally putting it in normal water for 4 minutes. The whole process of getting to experiment for the first time was great.

Shape and Composition

Starting with my two collages, they were very different in style. My composition of white on black had more complete and abstract shapes. I used the soccer player outline as a central, more defined figure and put very abstract shapes to surround it. My black on white composition was made up of many different shapes coming together to create one big whole figure, in this case the moon. I think that I was very drawn to abstract shapes which is really the connector between my two compositions. Something about being able to put randomness together to make a cool composition inspired me.