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Digital Rayography
Digital Rayography
Fibonacci


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Breaking New Ground (Basic Editing III)
Camera: Fujifilm FinePix S7000
Location: UK
Date: Jan 18, 2005
Aperture: f3
ISO: 200
Shutter: 1/34
Galleries: Black and White, Digital Art
Date Uploaded: Jan 18, 2005

 I've always been fascinated by the work of the early photographic artists and especially Man Ray. He pioneered the technique of producing "photograms". The technique involved arranging elements of the image on photosensitive paper, exposing to light and development of an image. The degree of exposure of any point on the image is dependant on overall exposure time / light levels, and the transparency of the object. These lovely images were known as Rayograms. I've never seen a Digital Rayogram so I thought that I'd have a go.

The "paper" is a glass screen with a diffuser in a light tight "dark box" lit through an orifice from the underside. The Camera was fixed to a gaiter seal directly above the screen. This puts the CCD/camera in the position of the photosensitive paper looking "up" at the underside of the image.

The important aspect of the technique is to prevent any tramp light from within the "dark box" reflecting from the "underside" of the subject and registering as surface detail. This was done by masking the subject, stuffing the box with light absorbing materials and trial and error with light intensity.

Photograms capture light passing through the subject not reflecting from it. They capture form and structure rather than texture and colour.

Traditional photograms were limited to monochrome media and obviously register as a reversed exposure. To be faithful to the technique, my submission is rendered in that format. However, with modern image manipulation, there's virtually no limit to the artistic potential of the photogram.

Post processing was adjustments in contrast with some USM, slight rotation, levels and curves.

If this type of image is not widely known, I expect to score badly with this one but as the challenge calls for innovative technique and I've never seen a digital Rayogram, I'm happy with my attempt.




Statistics
Place: 36 out of 191
Avg (all users): 5.7976
Avg (commenters): 5.8571
Avg (participants): 5.4615
Avg (non-participants): 5.9224
Views since voting: 5130
Views during voting: 502
Votes: 336
Comments: 9
Favorites: 3 (view)

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AuthorThread
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35
03/24/2005 08:41:20 PM
This is a fascinating techique you used. I remember the thread about it and loved some of the examples.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-20D
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
 01/27/2005 11:39:48 PM
Another outstanding contribution with a cool technique. You literally squeezed the beauty out of this lemon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
Canon EOS-5D Mark II
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
 01/25/2005 02:17:46 PM
This is cool but a soft on focus. There's a lot of texture and detail screaming to be released from these lemons?Oranges?Limes?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D50
Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR
 01/25/2005 10:31:27 AM
It is a wonderful idea very well produced, but why is it BW? It is crying for a touch of yellow!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2
 01/25/2005 06:53:31 AM
Cool but not that much lasting appeal.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D700
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6G
 01/24/2005 05:08:13 PM
What is this?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Apple iPhone
 01/22/2005 01:17:01 PM
very good.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-20D
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
 01/21/2005 09:08:40 AM
A good accomplishment. You have turned this image into art. Great b/w Bumping up.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-20D
Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon
 01/20/2005 10:58:32 PM
Infrared slices? Nicely composed and well executed.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
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