Intro to Platinum Printing

The platinum print is perhaps the most subtly beautiful and most permanent of all photographic printing processes. Its delicate chiaroscuro conveys a realness or presence unobtainable with other processes. Air becomes visible, cool shadows recede from the viewer, and light travels between objects. Here is a unique opportunity to learn from a true master. Lois Conner has been making platinum prints since 1974. Since 1982, she has been teaching the process in New York City and across the country, including a 2021 platinum workshop at Yale University, where she taught from 1991-2000.

This intensive workshop explores the technical and aesthetic aspects of platinum printing, with references to the history of the platinotype from its invention in 1878 by William Willis in England. The class will look at original prints from a range of artists, including some of the early practitioners of the medium. Its proliferation in the contemporary world will be part of the conversation. Hand sensitizing the paper with salts of iron and platinum and palladium is both exacting and thrilling. A broad range of papers will be considered. By the end of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to make competent and beautiful platinum prints as well as a good grasp of the chemistry involved, and how to troubleshoot its myriad of potential problems.

Prerequisite:

Prior experience in darkroom and large format photography required.

Please Note:

• Photographers are encouraged to use their original large format negatives, from 4x5 to 11x14.
• Students can also bring in vintage glass plates, film or paper negatives (waxed or unwaxed).
• On the second day of the workshop, a small tutorial will be held to show students how to enlarge digital negatives from large format film.
• This is a class for the more experienced and serious photographer.
• No negatives smaller than 2 ¼ x3 ¼ for transfer to Pictorico.
• No iphone files.
• $150 material fee included in tuition.