What is a chemigram?
A chemigram is a camera-less printing technique that produces an image using chemicals and light-sensitive paper. It was invented in 1956 by Belgian artist Pierre Cordier while experimenting with nail varnish on photographic paper.



Chemigrams make use of objects such as organic materials and photographic paper, as well as developing and fixing solutions for processing. The object is dipped into the developer and pressed down on the paper for about a minute. It is then processed and washed off to get rid of the leftover chemicals.
Making chemigrams is a brilliantly simple way to get started with camera-less photography, learn more about composition and let your creative side loose.
Interested in trying out chemigrams yourself? Check out this inspiring guide on the Lomography Online Magazine: Alternative Printmaking Techniques: Chemigrams
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What are some easy alternative analogue processes for beginners?
Some of the easiest, most common and beginner-friendly alternative analogue processes to try out are lumen printing, chemigrams, and cyanotypes.
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What is a cyanotype?
Cyanotype is an alternative analogue process that produces a distinct cyan print. It is one of the most accessible and fun types of alternative image-making techniques to try out at home.
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What is a lumen print?
Lumen printing harnesses the power of the sun to make images. Place objects on photographic paper and expose it to sunlight to create a simple lumen print.
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What is the wet-plate collodion process?
This technique got its name from staining a piece of glass with collodion and other chemicals to make it light sensitive. It is then placed in the camera before the photographer proceeds to take a photo and expose the wet plate.
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What are alternative analogue processes?
Alternative analogue processes refer to non-traditional or non-commercial photographic printing techniques.