cyanotype back up

Cyanotype mixing instructions. They call it the 'Classic Cyanotype' process. That's accurate. It's simple and only requires two relatively benign chemicals. The 'New Cyanotype' process requires the use of a more dangerous chemical, so we aren't going that route, nor is it necessary to do so are we will be making our own digital negatives allowing us to control contrast that route.
This is the recipe that we will be using through out the course. 


You apply the curves to the image (if necessary), then turn it into a negative by inverting it. Then you print it out on transparency.

Expose Notes:
It is better to over expose your prints and then bleach them down as opposed to trying to get the exact times (especially true if you are exposing in the sun).

SURVEY OF EXPOSURE TIMES - should provide a good jumping off point.

Some papers that have been recommended for cyanotypes by knowledgeable folks:
Canson Montval watercolor
Arches Platine
Fabriano Artistico
Lana
Arches Acquarelle
Saunder’s Waterford
Somerset Book
Crane’s Platinotype.

Reading homework:

Read Chapter 10 of the Robert Hirsch's book Photographic possibilities : the expressive use of equipment, ideas, materials, and processes The book is available for free in its entiretly via UM's online library offerings. If the direct link above doesn't work, do a search in Miryln for it and it will pop up.

Excellent excerpt on Cyanotype from Christopher James' book on Alternative Processes. It includes a nice section on toning cyanotypes. I suggest you read the entire Chapter/PDF.

Great thread on toning cyanotypes using a sodium bicarbonate 'bleaching' phase before soaking the print in a tannin rich solution of tea of coffee.

Excellent discussion of toning cyanotypes. Really excellent. Be sure to read it as it goes over what kind of results you can expect from the various toners and methodologies.

Below is an excellent image by Simili Japon illustrating the affects of multiple different toners on Cyanotype prints.

Artists working with Cyanotype (somewhat random selection)

Ginger Owen-Murakami makes cyanotypes on newsprint and other media.

Nice series of toned Cyanotype prints by Emma Powell.

Video in which the artist tones cyanotype prints using TSP (branded name of a common cleaner made of Trisodium Phosphate) to 'bleach' the cyanotype before soaking the print in tea.


PDF of the instructions of the Cyanotype solution that we are using.

How to make a digital step Wedge

Nice write up on how to make a cyanotype using a digital negative

Alternative Photography article on sizing paper which includes instructions on how to size paper using arrowroot starch.

Another write up on the process of creating a digital negative

Nice write up on the entire process of making the digital negative, mixing the chems, and making the final print. 

iPhone to Cyanotype