Creative Darkroom Printing, Masking and Photograms for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 16-17 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Photography
Previous Lesson: Creative Darkroom Printing, Stencilling and Contact Printing
Topic: Darkroom Printing Technique
Subject Matter: Creative Printing: Masking; Photogram

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Define creative darkroom printing.
• Explain the concept of masking in darkroom printing.
• Define a photogram.
• Describe the basic steps involved in creating a masked print and a photogram.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the artistic possibilities of darkroom creative printing.
• Develop patience and precision in darkroom work.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate the use of masking techniques (dodging and burning) during printing.
• Produce a simple photogram using various objects.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Photography textbook for SS 3
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Darkroom with safelights
• Enlarger
• Photographic paper
• Developing trays
• Photographic chemicals (developer, stop bath, fixer)
• Timer
• Running water/wash station
• Masking tools (cardboard cutouts, hands, opaque objects for dodging and burning)
• Various translucent and opaque objects for photograms (leaves, keys, lace, coins, etc.)
• Previously exposed negatives (for masking demonstration)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for SS 3 Photography students as it expands their understanding of darkroom techniques beyond basic printing. Mastering masking and photograms allows students to manipulate light and shadow creatively, adding artistic depth and personal expression to their photographic work.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have prior knowledge of basic darkroom safety procedures, chemical handling, and the fundamental process of developing and printing black and white photographs.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Darkroom Printing Technique

Creative Printing in the Darkroom

Creative printing in the darkroom involves manipulating the photographic printing process to achieve artistic effects that go beyond a standard print. These techniques allow photographers to control contrast, emphasize certain areas, or create unique images without a camera.

Masking Technique

Masking in darkroom printing refers to the process of selectively controlling the amount of light that reaches different areas of the photographic paper during exposure. This technique is primarily used for:

1. Dodging: Lightening specific areas of a print by blocking light from reaching them for a portion of the total exposure time.
2. Burning: Darkening specific areas of a print by giving them additional exposure time while shielding other areas.

Materials for Masking:

1. Hands (for broad areas)
2. Cardboard cutouts (of various shapes and sizes)
3. Opaque objects (e.g., small pieces of paper, cotton wool on a stick)

Basic Steps for Masking (Dodging/Burning):

1. Place the negative in the enlarger and focus the image onto the photographic paper.
2. Determine the base exposure time for the entire print.
3. For dodging, use a dodging tool (e.g., a small piece of cardboard on a wire) to block light from the area you want to lighten for part of the exposure. Keep the tool moving slightly to avoid sharp edges.
4. For burning, expose the entire print for the base time. Then, use a burning tool (e.g., a large piece of cardboard with a hole cut out) to shield the areas you do not want to darken, allowing extra light to reach the specific area you want to darken.
5. Process the photographic paper as usual (develop, stop, fix, wash, dry).

Photogram Technique

A photogram is a photographic image made without a camera by placing objects directly onto the surface of a light-sensitive material (like photographic paper) and then exposing it to light. The areas where light hits the paper darken, while areas covered by objects remain lighter, creating a silhouette effect.

How a Photogram Works:

1. Objects placed on the photographic paper block light.
2. Areas around the objects are exposed to light and turn dark during development.
3. Areas under opaque objects remain white.
4. Areas under translucent objects show varying shades of grey depending on their transparency.

Materials for Photograms:

1. Photographic paper
2. Various opaque, translucent, and transparent objects (e.g., leaves, keys, lace, coins, feathers, glass, plastic wrap)
3. Light source (enlarger lamp or a simple light bulb)

Basic Steps for Creating a Photogram:

1. In a darkroom under safelight, place a sheet of photographic paper on the enlarger baseboard.
2. Arrange various objects directly onto the surface of the photographic paper, experimenting with composition.
3. Turn on the enlarger light for a specific duration (exposure time), allowing light to expose the paper around and through the objects.
4. Turn off the light.
5. Remove the objects from the paper.
6. Process the exposed photographic paper through developer, stop bath, and fixer.
7. Wash and dry the finished photogram.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Practical Activity, Question and Answer, Explanation

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Recalling/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and reviews previous knowledge on basic darkroom safety and printing processes. The teacher then introduces the concept of creative darkroom printing as a way to add artistic expression to photographs.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to questions about basic darkroom procedures and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Basic darkroom review

Step 2: Introduction to Masking

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Illustrating

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what masking is in darkroom printing, focusing on dodging and burning. The teacher shows examples of prints where these techniques have been used to enhance specific areas.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, observe the examples, and ask questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Masking concept

Step 3: Demonstration of Masking

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstrating/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the practical application of dodging and burning using an enlarger, photographic paper, and simple masking tools (hands, cardboard cutouts). The teacher emphasizes moving the tools slightly during exposure.

Pupils’ Activity: Students carefully observe the teacher’s demonstration, noting the techniques and timing.

Learning Point: Masking demonstration

Step 4: Guided Practice in Masking

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guiding/Supervising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides students with negatives and photographic paper, guiding them to practice dodging and burning on their own prints. The teacher moves around to offer individual assistance and feedback.

Pupils’ Activity: Students attempt to apply masking techniques under the teacher’s guidance, experimenting with dodging and burning.

Learning Point: Practical masking skills

Step 5: Introduction to Photograms

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Defining

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a photogram as a camera-less image, explaining how it is created by placing objects directly on light-sensitive paper. The teacher shows examples of various photograms.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen to the explanation and observe the photogram examples, understanding the concept.

Learning Point: Photogram concept

Step 6: Demonstration of Photogram Creation

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstrating/Illustrating

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to create a simple photogram using photographic paper, an enlarger light source, and a few selected objects. The teacher explains the effect of opaque versus translucent objects.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstration, noting the arrangement of objects and the exposure process.

Learning Point: Photogram demonstration

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is masking in darkroom printing?
2. Differentiate between dodging and burning.
3. What is a photogram?
4. Mention two items that can be used to create a photogram.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Creative printing understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on creative printing, masking, and photograms into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Key concepts recorded

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising/Reinforcing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the creative potential of masking and photograms, encouraging students to explore these techniques further in their photographic journey.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and reflect on the lesson’s main points.

Learning Point: Creative printing reinforcement

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Practical Assignment

Instruction: In your next darkroom session, create the following:

1. A photographic print from a negative, demonstrating effective dodging and burning to enhance specific areas of the image.
2. Two distinct photograms using a variety of objects (e.g., natural items, household objects) to explore different textures and silhouettes.

Lesson Keywords

• Masking – Selectively controlling light during photographic printing to lighten or darken areas.
• Dodging – Lightening an area of a photographic print by blocking light during exposure.
• Burning – Darkening an area of a photographic print by giving it extra exposure.
• Photogram – A camera-less photographic image made by placing objects directly on light-sensitive paper.
• Darkroom – A light-tight room used for photographic processing.
• Enlarger – A photographic device used to project an image from a negative onto photographic paper.

Differentiation

For weaker learners, provide pre-cut masking tools and simpler objects for photograms, offering more one-on-one guidance during practical sessions. Faster learners can be encouraged to experiment with more complex masking shapes, multiple exposures for photograms, or combining translucent and opaque objects for varied tonal effects.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for:

• “Darkroom dodging and burning techniques”
• “How to make a photogram”
• “Creative darkroom printing SS3”

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure the darkroom is fully operational, clean, and stocked with fresh chemicals and photographic paper. Prepare examples of prints demonstrating effective dodging, burning, and various photograms to inspire students. Begin by quickly reviewing basic darkroom safety and printing, then introduce masking, demonstrating both dodging and burning clearly. Allow ample time for students to practice these techniques under close supervision. Next, introduce photograms, demonstrating the process with a variety of objects. Encourage students to experiment with composition and exposure times for both techniques. Remind students to copy the Board Summary notes during Step 8. Check for understanding throughout the practical activities and during the evaluation questions. Provide specific feedback to support weaker learners and challenge faster ones to explore more complex creative approaches.