You will need:
- light-sensitive paper (b&w, preferably fibre-based)
- items for image creation - leaves, flowers, translucent items, etc.
- any flat material to hold objects in place
- tray/container large enough to hold the paper
- sunlight
- fixer solution (optional)
Do:
- Work in a dimly lit room.
- Make sure you have access to a sink for rinsing the prints.
- Cut your paper to desired size, if applicable.
- Arrange objects on paper.
- Secure the arrangement.
- Use a piece of glass or sheet of clear plastic over the items to help keep them in place during exposure.
- Expose the assemblage to sunlight.
- Exposure times will vary depending on light intensity and paper type.
- Start with shorter exposure times - 10 to 30 minutes. Adjust as needed.
- Monitor exposure progress periodically
- Areas blocked by objects will remain lighter, while the exposed areas may darken.
- When satisfied with the exposure, carefully remove everything from the paper in a dimly lit or darkened room.
- Rinse the paper immediately in the water tray to stop the chemical reaction.
- Gently agitate the print in the water to remove any residual chemistry.
- Some prefer not to fix the prints, allowing them to continue changing over time.
- However, you can fix the print in a photographic fixer solution.
- After rinsing, hang the print to dry in a darkened area away from direct sunlight.
Notes:
- Lumen prints may continue to change over time when exposed to light, so make sure to keep them in a light tight box or bag when not in use.
- Try varying objects, exposures, and paper types to get different effects.