Baltic Analog Lab continues the autumn season with a new workshop cycle dedicated to historical photographic processes, a series of four workshops led by BAL member Armands Andže. As the second workshop, we offer a large format photography workshop, which will focus on taking photographs with a large format camera and printing them on paper using the historical cuprotype technique. With this process it is possible to print both self-made large format photographs and digitally printed photographs brought along on transparent film (acetate).

Cuprotype is a mid-19th century photographic process based on the light sensitivity of copper salts. The process can be regarded as a variation of cyanotype. It was developed as a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive salt print process based on silver salts. Unlike silver and iron compounds, cuprotype produces images in unique warm reddish-brown tones, which can later be easily toned in different colors. Historically, the process remained rarely used, but today it is experiencing a revival in alternative photographic practices as a means of creating stable, visually expressive prints.

Program:

• Large format photography with camera

• Introduction to the history and chemistry of cuprotype

• Preparation of negatives for contact printing with a large format camera

• Preparing paper with copper salts

• Exposure and development

• Toning possibilities

Armands Andže has been a member of Baltic Analog Lab since 2018. He has been working with analog photography for 12 years and, through self-study, has mastered several historical photographic techniques. He studied photography at the Culture College, got his Master’s degree in the Graphics Department at the Art Academy of Latvia where he is currently doing his PhD.

Practical information:

• Number of participants is limited to 10

• To apply, please send an email to: balticanaloglab@gmail.com

• Participation fee: 60 EUR

• The workshop will be held in Latvian and/or English (depending on participants)

Next workshops:

1–2 November– Shooting and toning 16mm film (with Ieva Balode)

22–23 November– Bichromate process and large-format photography

Supported by Latvian State Culture Capital Foundation