Cyanotype For Beginners

Welcome to cyanotype for beginners where we begin with a quick overview of the history of cyanotypes: First discovered in 1842 by Sir John Herschel and used originally as an architectural tool (hence the term blueprints), cyanotypes quickly evolved for artistic use. Anna Atkins, considered to be the first female photographer, used the cyanotype method to create images of botanical objects and unwittingly created the very first photobook.

What you’ll need:

– Two containers and distilled water

– Heavyweight paper eg watercolour paper

– Clear sheet of glass and backing board (clip frames are good for this)

– Measuring cups

– Mixing stick or brush

– Clothesline or drying rack

– Objects for printing (leaves, flowers, negatives, etc.)

Steps:

1. Mix the sensitizer solution – combine equal parts of Part A and Part B in a container in a dimly lit room. I use the Jacquard Cyanotype set, which comes with pre-measured powders to which you just add distilled water. Just follow the instructions. Store the unused solution in opaque bottles and it’ll last for up to two years.

2. Brush the sensitizer solution onto the paper. Use a sponge or brush to spread the solution evenly.

3. Let the paper dry in a dark and cool place. This step can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.

4. Once your paper is dry, it is now light-sensitive.

5. Collect objects that you can lie on the paper to create photograms. Flattish objects like ferns, flowers, cut-outs and stencils for example. You can also create negatives on digital transparency film from your photographs.

6. Prepare your layout before taking out the paper. 

7. Once ready, place the paper on the backing board then arrange your object(s) on top.

8. Cover the object and paper with the sheet of glass to hold it in place – use bulldog clips to hold the glass in place if it’s not too bulky.

9. Expose the paper to sunlight or UV light for approximately 10-20 minutes – this will vary depending on the weather. Once the paper darkens to brown/grey colour then it’s time to wash it. The longer you expose your paper, the darker the final blue will be.

10. Remove the glass and objects from the paper and rinse it in a container of distilled water.

11. Gently shake the paper in the water to help remove excess sensitizer solution.

12. After rinsing, hang the paper on a clothesline or drying rack to air dry.

13. Once the paper is completely dry, you can admire your cyanotype print.

Happy printing!