Alternative photographic processes use methods other than traditional digital or film-based photography. They include both historic techniques like daguerreotypes and modern adaptations. Concept development for alternative processes considers creative techniques, content, and reasons for using a specific process. Successful concepts explore feelings, uniqueness, or statements through techniques like pinhole cameras or materials like egg shells. Students are encouraged to learn from pioneering photographers and read widely to inform their concepts.

1. Concept
Development for
Alternative
Photographic
Processes
Lessons for
Photography
Students

2. What are Alternative
Photographic Processes?
Photographic processes that are not in massive use, such as digital
photography, iPhoneography, etc.
Historical photographic processes ,contemporary variations of
historic processes and new inventive (DIY) processes are
considered to be alternative photographic processes ,

3. Examples of historic
photographic processes
• Heliography
• Physautotype
• Photogenic Drawing (Photograms)
• Daguerreotype
• Albumen & Salt Prints
• Cyanotype
• Wet Plate Collodion (Ambrotypes & Tintypes)
• Crystoleum / American Ivorytype / Chrysotype / Ivorytype /
Opalotype
• Kallitype & Van Dyke Brown
• Stereo photography

4. Examples of contemporary
photographic processes
• 35mm Ambrotype
• 3D Anaglyph Photography & Lenticular Analog Print
• Acrylic gel lift and transfer
• Becquerel Daguerreotype
• Caffenol Photography
• Cross Processing
• Liquid Light Emulsion
• Lith Print
• Pinhole Photography
• X-Ray (Radiology) Art Photography

5. What is Concept
Development ?
Concept development is the process whereby concepts are
developed for a new product.
There are many aspects to consider when a concept is developed.
Depending on the product, aim, potential customer, etc, and the
importance of these aspects, they should be considered in the
concept and integrated in the resulting product.

6. Examples of creative
concept development
techniques
• Story telling
• Mind mapping
• Brainstorming
• SCAMPER
• Research
• Mood board
• Metaphorical thinking

7. To develop a concept for
alternative photography
you need to choose your
starting point:
CONTENT OR
TECHNIQUE

8. When developing your concept,
think of the reason you are using
alternative photography…
• Adding a feeling to the photograph
• Being unique
• Exploring creative possibilities
• Making a statement
• Adding content to the photograph by using a specific
technique
• The process or equipment as part of the art
Lets look at some
examples…

9. Abelardo Morell

10. HIV Camera & Portrait - Wayne Martin Belger

11. Look! My Family- Erwin Olaf

12. Egg Pinhole Camera - Francesco Capponi

13. Mouthpiece- Justin-Quinnell

14. Proud Flesh - Sally Mann

15. Lets learn from the
photography pioneers…
Joseph Nicéphore Niépce
William Henry Fox Talbot
Louis-Jacques Mandé Daguerre
Hippolyte Bayard
Frederick Scott Archer
The process; not the results is what matters…
Lumière brothers
Louis Désiré Blanquart-Evrard
Sir John Herschel
Anna Atkins
Steven Sasson

16. Lets read…
The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes, by Christopher James
Primitive Photography: A Guide to Making Cameras, Lenses, and Calotypes by Alan Greene
The History of Photography: From 1839 to the Present by Beaumont Newhall
A Guide to Early Photographic Processes by Brian Coe and Mark Haworth-Booth
Photographs of the Past, Process and Preservation by Bertrand Lavédrine
Photo-Imaging: A Complete Visual Guide to Alternative Techniques and Processes by Jill
Enfield
Photography Beyond Technique by Tom Persinger
From pinhole to print by Malin Fabbri, Gary Fabbri and Peter Wiklund
Coming Into Focus: A Step-by-Step Guide to Alternative Photographic Printing Processes by
John Barnie
Digital Negatives: Using Photoshop to Create Digital Negatives for Silver and Alternative
Process Printing
by Brad Hinkel and Ron Reeder
Handbook of Non-Toxic Intaglio by Henrik Bøegh

17. Lets check out…
www.alternativephotography.com
http://dutchalternativephotography.blogspot.com
www.apug.org
www.f295.org
www.niepce.com
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock/things-to-see-and-do/fox-talbot-museum
www.eastmanhouse.org
© 2013 An Zuriel for