Photography and Printmaking: Cyanotype

Cyanotype is a 175 year old photographic process that uses a UV light sensitive compound to create a blueprint. Unlike traditional black and white silver processes, cyanotypes do not require a darkroom.

Make traditional cyanotype prints and photograms by learning how to expose an object rather than a digital or film negative.

At the conclusion of the class, students will be able to take home their cyanotypes. TXRX will provide hot press watercolor paper and an assortment of papers students can experiment with. Additionally, students are encouraged to bring in their own substrates for experimentation, any absorbent material will work, from wood to fabric.

During the class, we will be making two types of images, contact prints, and photograms. Contact prints are made by placing film or digital negatives onto the cyanotype and exposing it.

Your instructor David will be bringing in some old glass plate negatives and 8X10 film negatives which students can use. For interested students, David will also give some directions on how to prepare digital images in Photoshop for the printing digital negatives for contact printing. Photograms are made by placing objects directly onto the paper and exposing the result is preserved shadow of the object.

Leaves and other transparent objects produce really interesting photograms. David will bring in some pressed leaves and students are encouraged to bring in their own things to make photograms.