Cyanotype

This is a cyanotype that has been scanned in. I went through the process during my advanced photography class this semester, and for those wondering, got a perfect score.

To make a cyanotype you must prepare a negative on a clear plastic sheet of the picture and size you want (you can use film and scan it in to do this or digital and invert it). Then you prepare the paper with a chemical (can't remember what it's called, try googling it) and can make the brush strokes with a paintbrush or sponge brush. For this cyanotype I used a paint brush and tried to make the strokes visible. Then you set the negative on the paper (once teh paper dries) and put it in something clear that will hold them together exactly how you want them (they make containers specifically for this, but I bet there are other ways to do it). You then set the negative and paper in the sun to expose it. You can find suggested exposures on different websites. You should do multiple tries to ensure you get a proper exposure, just like you should bracket with film. Then once the paper is exposed you take the negative and paper back inside, take off the negative, and run cool water over the paper. It is important to move the paper so as not to create a spot where water has continually hit it. Wash the cyanotype for 10 minutes, then place it somewhere flat to dry. When it is dry you should press it flat in some way, and I suggest matting it.

I really liked the process, and I encourage people to try it out. It was worth the learning process.

~Secret