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This is a projected image of fluids on glass, made with a Beseler 4x5 enlarger and printed on gelatin silver paper. 

Submitted by:  Jonna M.

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Caption:  Aaron Siskind (American, 1903–1991). Harlem Document, ca. 1937–1940. Gelatin silver print. George Eastman House; gift of Aaron Siskind. © Aaron Siskind Foundation.

Conversation Topic: How do you discover new work/photographers? 

When Rachel and I were selecting the photographs for the A History of Photography exhibition we looked at a box of Aaron Siskind’s early documentary work. He is better known for his later abstract photography, but in the 1930s he established himself as a documentary photographer. This photograph of the proprietor of the photo studio leaning against the doorway really struck me and I’m glad that we were able to include it in the exhibition. 

What photographers have you stumbled upon and were glad you found their work? And, how did you stumble upon their work? For example, in an exhibition, a book, a google search,​ ​or Instagram? Tell us your story and share examples of your favorite work you have stumbled upon. 

- Andrew Murphy, student in the Photographic Preservation and Collections Management program, a joint program between George Eastman House and Ryerson University (Toronto, Canada).

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A great video from National Geographic showing how they made a camera obscura room.

Submitted by: jallen

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Teaching photography

As a former student of Morells, I’ve carried on the tradition of hooking my photo students on photography by exposing them to the magic of the camera obscura on the very first day of photography. Nothing in my 18 yr photo teaching career has been more successful at getting the students excited for their journey in photography.

Submitted by:  Snworrell

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Abelardo Morell (American, b. Cuba 1948). Camera Obscura image of Garden in George Eastman's Mother's Bedroom, 2001. Gelatin silver print. George Eastman House, gift of the photographer and Bonni Benrubi Gallery. ©Abelardo Morell.

Currently on view in In the Garden through September 6, 2015.   

Conversation Topic: Photographic processes in the digital age

​Abelardo Morell​'s Camera Obscura series​ really opened my eyes to the possibilities of ​photography. He is using something that has been around for a lot longer than photography, but is the basis of how all cameras (film and digital) can capture light.  In a darkened room he makes a small circular hole to let in some window light. The outside world is projected through the hole and the room is turned into a camera. I sa​w​ this photograph when I was first starting out in photography and it really inspired me.​ 

How have older photographic processes and techniques inspired your art/photography in this digital age? Please share any examples!​

- Andrew Murphy, student in the Photographic Preservation and Collections Management program, a joint program between George Eastman House and Ryerson University (Toronto, Canada).

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See more of my x-ray photographs at www.joshshagam.com/semblance !

Josh Shagam

Rochester, NY 

[email protected]

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See more of my x-ray photographs at www.joshshagam.com/semblance !

Josh Shagam

Rochester, NY 

[email protected]

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See more of my cameraless x-ray photographs at www.joshshagam.com/semblance !

Josh Shagam

Rochester, NY 

[email protected]

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See more of my cameraless x-ray photographs at www.joshshagam.com/semblance !

Josh Shagam

Rochester, NY 

[email protected]

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Cameraless Photogram I made as couple years ago in University. I miss this! It was one of my favorite ways to make an image. It was like magic everytime! 

Submitted by:  crown-of-beauty 

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Image created on a scanner (HP Deskjet F4280, 600ppi).

Converted to Black & White and inverted in Photoshop Elements to create the look of a classical photogram.

Submitted by: janineparisphotography

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A collection of skeletal leaves, image created on a scanner (HP Deskjet F4280, 600ppi).

Converted to Black & White and inverted in Photoshop Elements to create the look of a classical photogram.

Submitted by: janineparisphotography

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Scan of lumen print, adjusted for contrast in Photoshop Elements.

Grevillea exposed in sunlight on Ilford Multigrade IV FB B&W photographic paper, fixed in sodium thiosulfate.

Submitted by: janineparisphotography

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Scan of lumen print, adjusted for contrast in Photoshop Elements

Jasmine exposed in sunlight on Ilford Multigrade IV FB B&W photographic paper, fixed in sodium thiosulfate

Submitted by: janineparisphotography

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Photogram made with glass ashtrays, salt shaker, and a piece of plastic with holes in it.

Ilford RC photo paper.

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Caption: Anna Atkins (British, 1799–1871). Carix (America), ca. 1850. Cyanotype. George Eastman House. 

Currently on view in In the Garden through September 6, 2015.

  Conversation Topic: Cameraless Images

Some of the first photographs were made by placing objects directly on sensitized paper. This method, later called photogram, recorded the shape and size of an object objectively. While it was first accepted as a scientific method for imaging specimens, it was later rejected for its inability to capture the minute details of an object. Later, surrealist photographers such as Man Ray and Laslo Moholy Nagy used photograms. 

In an age where one can carry a camera in a pocket, I’m curious if anyone out there is making images without the aid of a lens or camera. 

Send in your cameraless images!

- Jamie M. Allen,  Associate Curator, Department of Photography, George Eastman House.

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Images are part of daily communication

I have moved away from saved and displayed images to 98% digitally shared. I do it personally via Internet not by Facebook, Instagram , Twitter , or other media sites. I do save received images and store digitally and view, or share, from time to time. I see image are viewed most often on digital screens, and stored on digital storage devices. Not printed, displayed, or scrap booked.

- PJ S.