Sun print practice

Materials Needed

• Photographic paper (ask your teacher/instructional assistant)

• Flat objects for silhouettes (leaves, feathers, flowers, ferns, etc.)

• Glass or plexiglass sheet (8×10 inches)

• Darkroom trays: Fixer solution and running water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather Materials Collect your photographic paper, silhouette objects, and a flat working surface.

2. Set Up the Print Place your paper on the flat surface, arrange your objects on top, and cover them with a glass sheet to hold everything flat. Move the setup into direct sunlight.

3. Expose to Light Leave the paper in the sun until the exposed white areas turn dark gray. Depending on the paper type, this takes anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.

4. Remove Objects in the Dark Move your setup into a darkroom or dimly lit classroom. Gently remove the objects from the paper. Save your objects for a second attempt.

5. Fix the Print Let the paper cool down in the dark for a few minutes. Submerge the paper in the fixer tray to lock in the image.

6. Wash the Print Once the exposed paper fades to a lighter gray, transfer it to the running water tray and rinse thoroughly.

7. Inspect Your Work Bring your print into a well-lit area to check its quality, contrast, and composition.

8. Sign the Back On the bottom-right corner of the back (verso), write:

   • Title 

   • Your signature (pencil #BB, or 2B)

   • Edition number and date (1/5, 2/5, etc.)

9. Display & Submit Frame or mount your print as desired, then submit it for class critique.

Reference: LINK 1 LINK 2