Direct to Plate Photogravure
with Clay Harmon
June 16-19, 2024
We are very pleased to have Clay with us at this year’s Photostock! To say he wrote the book on this subject is no overstatement. Clay has been part of the revolution in Polymer Photogravure known as Direct-to-Plate and we are fortunate to have him with us this year. Clay always teaches a fantastic workshop and is one of our most requested instructors for Photostock.
Direct-to-plate is a platemaking technique that utilizes inkjet printers to create both the image and aquatint directly on a polymer plate prior to exposure.
This four-day workshop will introduce participants to methods for using this technique for creating photopolymer printing plates. While the primary emphasis will be on continuous tone photogravure printing from digital image files, the method is not strictly limited to photographic imagery. We will also teach techniques for creating plates from hand-drawn artwork.
DTP Advantages
- No intermediate positive or negative is needed. This saves on material costs during the platemaking process.
- No vacuum frame is needed to expose the photopolymer. Traditional two-exposure methods require a vacuum frame to ensure perfect contact between the aquatint screen and the plate. This method applies inkjet printer ink directly to the plate, which allows plates to be exposed using any UV light source, including the sun.
- This method is much more tolerant of exposure variations than the two exposure method, and predictable results are achievable even when using imperfect UV light sources.
- This method can be used for both intaglio and relief plates. The only difference is whether a positive or negative image is used.
Topics covered
- Use of the QuadToneRIP printer driver for creating printing profiles for this process. A streamlined calibration process will be demonstrated on the final day of the class for those who are interested.
- Creation of both intaglio and relief plates using this technique.
- Methods for creating plates from hand-drawn artwork.
- Intaglio printing techniques, including paper preparation, inking, wiping and a simple chine collé approach.
- Incorporation of digital methods into a workflow.
- Software and hardware options for this technique.
The workshop includes a $100 materials fee, which will cover the cost of four A4-size plates, printmaking paper, ink and inkjet printer ink. Additional plates will be available for sale during the workshop for anyone interested in making more plates.
The workshop participants will need to have digital photo images which we can scan to use for making plates. All other materials*** and equipment will be supplied in the class.

*** For all Alternative Process workshops, we use the fine papers made and supplied by Hahnemühle.
Class Fee: 900.00 (includes $100 materials fee as well as general registration for Photostock 2024 – Class size is limited to 6.)
Sold Out
Getting Here and Lodging
When visiting here, your closest airport option is Pellston, Michigan (PLN) about 8 miles away. Next is Traverse City (TVC) which is about 80 miles to our south and less expensive. We are located north of Harbor Springs, Michigan near the tiny lakeside, Cross Village.
There are many options in our area for both food and lodging and I will leave a couple links for suggestions. We have a discount arrangement with the new Spirit Lake Lodge in Cross Village which have 11 units available. They are very close to the workshop. There are also many VRBO options available. Please use Harbor Springs/Good Hart and Cross Village in your search.
Questions can be addressed via the Contact Page. We are located in a beautiful part of northern Michigan and will do what we can to make your stay more than just a workshop.