How to Create a Photogram Effect in Midjourney

Today, with the help of a Midjourney prompt, we’re going to create some lovely images replicating a photography technique that doesn’t use a camera! Seems appropriate, right?

Example Images for Today

Photograms

A photogram is a unique type of photographic image created without the use of a camera. Instead, objects are placed directly onto the surface of light-sensitive material, such as photographic paper. When this arrangement is exposed to light, the objects block the light to varying degrees depending on their opacity. The result is a shadowy representation or silhouette of the object.

The areas of the paper that are fully exposed to light become dark (or develop color, depending on the type of photographic paper used), while the areas shielded by the objects remain light or unaltered. The resulting image can be both abstract and representational, capturing the essence, form, and texture of the objects placed on the paper.

Man Ray, a 20th-century artist, is probably the most famous proponent of the technique, calling his photograms “Rayographs” after himself. In the history of photography, the photogram technique predates even the invention of the camera, as it can be traced back to the very beginnings of the photographic process.

Photograms have been appreciated for their experimental and abstract nature, allowing artists to play with different materials, transparencies, and light sources. The process often leads to surprising and serendipitous results, and it’s a great method for exploring the interplay of light, shadow, and form.

Midjourney Prompt

Here’s the very simple Midjourney base prompt I used:

a photogram of <subject>

So for the example images I used:

a photogram of an orchid

a photogram of a toy dinosaur

a photogram of orchids

a photogram of a tulip

a photogram of a portrait of a woman

a photogram of a city street

a photogram of a city street, color

a photogram of 3 roses, rgb

What Next?

As always, give the Midjourney prompt a tweak — make it your own, and try different subjects.

a photogram of a mountain waterfall

And Finally

If you like this prompt, don’t forget to add it to your copy of the AI Prompt Pod. If you don’t yet have a copy, you can find out more HERE.