Series Overview

The notebook documents experimental darkroom practice, alternative photographic processes, and the intersection of analogue chemistry with contemporary science. Each series explores a specific technique, project, or conceptual investigation.

Core Techniques

001 · A Brief History of Mordençage

1 post · August 2025

Chemistry bites photography. An introduction to mordençage—the process that physically lifts photographic emulsion from its paper base. Covers history (Liesegang to Sudre), chemistry (copper chloride oxidation cycles), modern materials, and safety protocols.

Start here if: You want to understand the foundational technique that appears throughout this practice.

[010 · Sabattier in the City of Lights](/notebook/010-sabattier/010-sabattierinc ityoflights/)

1 post · October 2025

Partial tone reversal through mid-development exposure. Documents applying the Sabattier effect to Paris street photography using dual-enlarger technique for precise control. Explores the chemistry of silver halide reversal and the Mackie line effect.

Start here if: You're interested in controlled darkroom interventions and travel photography.

011 · Kinetic Darkroom

1 post

Movement-based interventions during development. Experimental approaches to physical manipulation of prints while chemistry is active.

017-019 · Lith Printing

3 posts · Coming soon

Deep dive into infectious development. Chemistry, control variables, and material selection for lith printing. Currently in development.

Projects & Series

004 · Quantum Mordençage

1 post · August 2025

Photographing quantum computing hardware, then chemically disrupting those photographs with mordençage. A conceptual investigation into decoherence, measurement, and uncertainty. Published as a limited-edition Risograph zine (15 copies) and exhibited at Experimental 2025, Barcelona.

Start here if: You're interested in the intersection of quantum physics and photographic chemistry.

005-008 · Beneath the Surface

4 posts

Consumer spaces through mordençage. A multi-part series documenting the creation, exhibition, and re-exhibition of work exploring abandoned commercial environments. Includes installation documentation from Art for All Festival (Turku) and Kaapeli Gallery (Helsinki).

Start here if: You want to follow a project from concept through multiple exhibitions.

009 · Tim Carpenter

1 post

Collaboration and process exchange with photographer Tim Carpenter.

Technical Investigations

002 · Intro to Riso

1 post · August 2025

Introduction to Risograph printing for photographic work. Stencil duplication, registration, and aesthetic possibilities.

003 · Preparing for Two-Plate Riso

1 post

Workflow and preparation for two-color Risograph separations. Digital preparation and colour plate planning.

012 · RA4 Mordançage

1 post

Experimental attempts to apply mordençage to RA4 color paper. Documents the challenges of working with dye-based materials and resin-coated substrates.

Start here if: You're interested in pushing alternative processes into new material territories.

013 · Chromatic Archaeology

1 post

Excavating color from black-and-white materials through chemical intervention.

014-016 · Chromoskedasic

3 posts

The Chromoskedasic Sabattier effect—partial reversal in color materials. A three-part investigation into technique, science, and creative application.

Deep Dives

020-022 · Sustainable Darkroom Practice

13 posts

A comprehensive investigation into the environmental impact of analogue photography. Covers film development (caffenol, C41), printing (RA4, lith), alternative processes (mordençage, chromoskedasic), water usage, silver recovery, film manufacturing, and end-of-life considerations.

The complete series:

  1. The Caffenol Question
  2. Silver's Shadow
  3. Defensible Practice
  4. C41 Colour
  5. RA4 Printing
  6. Lith Printing
  7. Mordançage
  8. Print Washing
  9. Chromoskedasic
  10. Synthesis
  11. Alternative Processes
  12. Film Manufacturing
  13. End of Life

Start here if: You want a rigorous, evidence-based examination of analogue photography's environmental footprint and harm-reduction strategies.

Suggested Reading Paths

New to Alternative Processes? Start with 001 - Mordençage → [010 - Sabattier](/notebook/010-sabattier/010-sabattierinc ityoflights/) → Works

Interested in Quantum + Photography? Read 004 - Quantum Mordençage

Want to See a Project Develop? Follow the 005-008 - Beneath the Surface series chronologically

Concerned About Environmental Impact? Dive into the 020-022 - Sustainability deep dive (13 parts)

Just Browsing? Explore Works for finished projects and exhibitions

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