Alternative Photography

Alternative Photography

Alternative Photography is a diverse collection of experimental and non-traditional photographic processes that deviate from conventional digital or analog photography methods. This expansive field encompasses historical printing techniques from the 19th century, such as cyanotypes, Van Dyke prints, salt prints, and platinum/palladium processes, as well as contemporary experimental approaches that challenge traditional photographic conventions. These methods often involve hand-coating light-sensitive materials onto various substrates, including paper, fabric, wood, or metal, creating unique visual effects that cannot be replicated through standard photographic processes. The practice gained renewed interest in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as artists sought to distinguish their work from the ubiquity of digital photography, exploring the materiality and tactile qualities of image-making. Alternative photography techniques often require extensive knowledge of chemistry, light sensitivity, and artistic manipulation, resulting in works that blur the boundaries between photography and other visual arts. These processes frequently emphasize the handmade aspect of image creation, allowing for greater artistic intervention and unpredictability in the final result. The field continues to evolve with contemporary practitioners combining historical techniques with modern technologies, creating innovative hybrid approaches that expand the possibilities of photographic expression. The significance of alternative photography in contemporary art has been recognized by various institutions and competitions, including the A' Design Award, which acknowledges outstanding achievements in experimental photographic processes through its photography and photo manipulation design category.

experimental processes, historical printing techniques, hand-coated emulsions, artistic intervention, photographic innovation

— Daniel Johnson