Sun Prints

Sun Prints:

A sun print is a contact print (1:1). It is made by placing objects onto light sensitive paper and exposing with UV light.

Materials:

• A piece of card or wood to use as a base board 
• A sheet of glass or acrylic sheet 
• Photographic chemicals - Fix 
• Water 

You will need materials like this below:

• dried flowers and leaves 
• seeds, shells
• sand, salt 
• string, hair, thread, wire 
• crumpled tissue paper 
• paper cutouts, lace 

To block out light to make interesting pictures just like when you take a picture of an item.

Process;

1. Work in a darkened room to prepare your composition. Place your light sensitive photographic paper on top of a piece of card. Make sure the paper is emulsion side up

(shinny side up)

2. When ready, place a piece of card on top of the light sensitive paper and objects to keep it in place and cover with a second piece of card (this will stop the paper from exposing until ready). 

3. Carry your work outside and place on the floor in the sun. Remove the protective card and expose. 

4. Expose the paper until you see an imprint appear. This can take anything from 8 to 60 minutes depending on the strength of the UV light. An average is between 15 - 25 minutes. 

5. When exposed, cover with the protective card and return to the darkened room. 

6. Carefully remove your objects and rinse light sensitive paper in cold water if dirty. 

7. Place the exposed sheet of light sensitive paper into in the fix tray for 5-7 minutes. This will stop the paper from exposing and create a permanent image. 

8. Wash and dry