What is a cyanotype?
Cyanotype is an alternative analogue process that produces a distinct cyan print. It is one of the most accessible and fun types of alternative image-making techniques to try out at home.
Discovered by Sir John Herschel in 1842, cyanotypes are popular among people who would like to easily start experimenting with alternative analogue processes. To create cyanotypes, a negative is reproduced on photosensitive paper using chemicals exposed to UV light. Three-dimensional objects such as organic materials can also be used for cyanotypes.
The charm of a cyanotype lies in its bright blue color and its simple process. The depth of the image retained on the photographic paper will depend on the exposure time in the sun, so making cyanotypes is a great experience for anyone learning about alternative processes and experimenting with composition.
Looking to learn more about cyanotypes or make one of your own? Check out this guide on the Lomography Online Magazine: Tipster: How to Make Wet Cyanotype Prints
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More Courses
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What are some easy alternative analogue processes for beginners?
Some of the easiest, most common and beginner-friendly alternative analogue processes to try out are lumen printing, chemigrams, and cyanotypes.
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What is a chemigram?
A chemigram is a camera-less printing technique that produces an image using chemicals and light-sensitive paper.
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What is gumoil printing?
Gumoil printing is an alternative photographic process in which gum bichromate and oil painting techniques are combined to create an image.
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What are tintypes?
A tintype, also known as a melanotype or ferrotype, is made by creating a positive on a thin sheet of metal, rather than glass, with a dark lacquer or enamel used for photographic emulsion.
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What are the differences between daguerreotypes, ambrotypes and tintypes?
Daguerreotypes, ambrotypes and tintypes were all photographic processes that built on each other.
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What is Heliography?
Heliography was invented by Nicéphore Niépce around 1822, and used the sun’s rays to create sun pictures.
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What was a daguerreotype?
The daguerreotype was an early photographic process invented by French photography pioneer Louis Daguerre in 1839. It was the first photographic process widely available to the public
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What was a calotype?
A calotype was an early photographic process invented by Henry Fox Talbot in 1941.
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What was the platinum print process?
The platinum prints process was a photographic method popular during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The process involved coating paper with a solution made from platinum salts and light-sensitive iron salts.