Cyanotype Workshop!

Cyanotype, also known as “sun printing,” is a relatively inexpensive and accessible means of creating deep blue monochromatic prints using a light-sensitive coating, sunlight, and water. It is a form of alternative photography that was developed in the 19th century that involves relatively safe chemicals. In this workshop, we will create simple cyanotype photograms by placing objects on sensitized paper, exposing them to sunlight, and rinsing out the unexposed chemical. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own fresh or dried plants, flowers, or leaves; a variety of provided botanicals and objects will be available to use as well. There will be an opportunity to create your own negatives via drawing, painting, or writing on provided acetate sheets. This workshop seeks to emphasize how accessible creating cyanotypes can be: for the cost of the A and B solutions and your choice of substrate, you can create prints using the sun and plants sourced from your environment.

This workshop will contain a brief introduction to the history and science of cyanotypes, a demonstration on how to prepare and coat paper for a cyanotype, what to consider when composing a print, how to expose the print, and how to rinse the print. Materials will be provided, and attendees will receive a printout detailing things discussed during the workshop.