Dry Mounting

Assignment: 
Dry mount either your "Found Object" or "Stencil" photograms.

How to:

1. Determine the size of  the mat by first measuring the photographs size. Add 6 inches to the width of the image. Add 6.5 inches to the photos height. For our 5x8" image we will need an 11.5x14" mat.
2. Do you want white or black for your mat? Cut the mat to size.
3. Make sure the press is preheated to 170 degrees. (Remember to check, sometimes someone will play with the dry mounting press and change the settings.)
4. Preheat the tacking iron. Remember this is very hot and can cause severe burns. Always rest it on it's cradle.
5. Place the image face down on a clean surface. (white oak tag)
6. Position a sheet of dry-mounting tissue over the photograph.
7. Attach the tissue to the print. Remember to only touch the iron to the print for a brief moment, or you will damage the front of the print.
8. Using a T-square and cutting board, trim the photo and tissue. They should be the same size when your have finished.
9. Mark the mat board.
10. Position the photo on the mat board and tack it on. (one side is sufficient.)
11. Place the image into the press photo side up. Cover with a clean slip sheet. (White oak tag)
12. Close press for 1 minute and 20 seconds.
13. Remove image and place a heavy weight on it. (books)
14. Use a kneaded eraser to clean up any pencil marks.
15. Lightly sand the edges to remove any tear out from the cutter.

It sounds difficult, but once you've done it it will become second nature. There is a reason I had you practice using an x-acto knife!

Stencil Photogram

Photograms come in all types, your "imagination is your only limitation"! I've even had students use crickets as the subject for found object photograms!

For our second photogram, we will cut a stencil out of black construction paper. Instead of placing objects on the enlarging paper, you will use your paper stencil. We will compress the enlarging paper and stencil together using a contact printer. F-stop and time will remain the same for this project.

Subject:
The subject for this image is "geometric shapes" or a design created out of your "initials".

Objective: 
Practice using an x-acto knife, continued practice with the enlarger and print developing process.

Thins to consider:

• Design your image so the stencil won't fall apart.
• Always cut away from your holding hand.
• If the paper starts to tear, ask me for a new blade.
• Keep your cuts as clean as possible.

Here is an example of a "geometric shape" photogram. Notice the edges are kept intact.