Alternative Photography
CYANOTYPE
History
The cyanotype process, also known as the blueprint process, was first introduced by John Herschel in 1842. Sir John was an astronomer, trying to find a way of copying his notes. Herschel managed to fix pictures using hyposulphite of soda as early as 1839. In the early days the paper was coated with iron salts and then used in contact printing. The paper was then washed in water and resulted in a white image on a deep blue background. (Apart from the cyanotype process, Herschel also gave us the words photography, negative, positive and snapshot.)
One of the first people to put the cyanotype process to use was Anna Atkins a botanist, she was a pioneering figure in photographic history, having produced the first book to use photographic illustrations. The book was called “British Algae: Cyanotype impressions”.
Traditional cyanotype
The process involves mixing two chemicals: potassium ferricyanide and ammonium citrate to create a photosensitive solution. This is then applied after mixing to an absorbent surface (paper, fabric, bone, leather, shell, etc.) after which it is left in a dark place to dry. Allowing light to reach the paper during the drying process will spoil the print. The paper (or substrate) can then be stored in a lightproof container or bag before use. Prints can then be made by placing a negative (object or a photographic negative) on to the surface and exposing the coated surface to sunlight. Results are usually obtained after about 10-20 mins, though this can vary considerably due to the strength of the sun and the surface being used to create the print. It’s best to create a test piece prior to exposure to ensure you get the results you want.
Wet cyanotype
The wet process is a variation on the traditional cyanotype method which has captured the imagination of many artists working in cyanotype. I create wet cyanotype on dry pre-prepared sheets of photosensitised paper or directly into the wet chemicals as they are applied to you chosen paper. Introducing wet elements to the print as it develops, corrupts the process leaving interesting marks and colourations. I add sea salt, turmeric, paprika, coffee grounds, vinegar, lemon juice, washing up liquid bubbles etc. Then cover with glass and clamp to hold in place. I then expose to sunlight for anything from 1 hour to days depending on the suns strength and time of year.
Lumen Prints.
Lumen prints are from the start of camera-less photography in 1830s when William Henry Fox Talbot made his "photogenic drawings." Plants were placed on sensitized paper and exposed to sunlight.
I make my images the same way as the early pioneers on photography.
History
The cyanotype process, also known as the blueprint process, was first introduced by John Herschel in 1842. Sir John was an astronomer, trying to find a way of copying his notes. Herschel managed to fix pictures using hyposulphite of soda as early as 1839. In the early days the paper was coated with iron salts and then used in contact printing. The paper was then washed in water and resulted in a white image on a deep blue background. (Apart from the cyanotype process, Herschel also gave us the words photography, negative, positive and snapshot.)
One of the first people to put the cyanotype process to use was Anna Atkins a botanist, she was a pioneering figure in photographic history, having produced the first book to use photographic illustrations. The book was called “British Algae: Cyanotype impressions”.
Traditional cyanotype
The process involves mixing two chemicals: potassium ferricyanide and ammonium citrate to create a photosensitive solution. This is then applied after mixing to an absorbent surface (paper, fabric, bone, leather, shell, etc.) after which it is left in a dark place to dry. Allowing light to reach the paper during the drying process will spoil the print. The paper (or substrate) can then be stored in a lightproof container or bag before use. Prints can then be made by placing a negative (object or a photographic negative) on to the surface and exposing the coated surface to sunlight. Results are usually obtained after about 10-20 mins, though this can vary considerably due to the strength of the sun and the surface being used to create the print. It’s best to create a test piece prior to exposure to ensure you get the results you want.
Wet cyanotype
The wet process is a variation on the traditional cyanotype method which has captured the imagination of many artists working in cyanotype. I create wet cyanotype on dry pre-prepared sheets of photosensitised paper or directly into the wet chemicals as they are applied to you chosen paper. Introducing wet elements to the print as it develops, corrupts the process leaving interesting marks and colourations. I add sea salt, turmeric, paprika, coffee grounds, vinegar, lemon juice, washing up liquid bubbles etc. Then cover with glass and clamp to hold in place. I then expose to sunlight for anything from 1 hour to days depending on the suns strength and time of year.
Lumen Prints.
Lumen prints are from the start of camera-less photography in 1830s when William Henry Fox Talbot made his "photogenic drawings." Plants were placed on sensitized paper and exposed to sunlight.
I make my images the same way as the early pioneers on photography.
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Return to: Gallery