Cyanotype Printing: Investigating an Early Photographic Printing Process That Produces a Cyan-Blue Print.

Cyanotype Printing: Investigating an Early Photographic Printing Process That Produces a Cyan-Blue Print.

(A Lecture in Blue)

Welcome, intrepid explorers of the image-making world! 👋 Today, we’re diving headfirst into the cerulean depths of cyanotype printing, a process so old it makes Instagram filters look like toddlers playing with crayons. Prepare yourselves for a journey through chemistry, light, and a whole lot of beautiful blue!

(I. Introduction: The Blueprint for Everything (Almost))

Imagine a world without Photoshop, without even the humble darkroom. What if the only way to make a lasting image was to harness the power of the sun itself? That’s precisely what Sir John Herschel did in 1842 when he invented the cyanotype process. This isn’t just some obscure historical footnote; cyanotypes were the original blueprints! 🤯 Before fancy photocopying, architects and engineers used this process to duplicate their technical drawings, hence the nickname.

But wait, there’s more! Anna Atkins, a pioneering botanist, understood the potential of the process and created her own botanical illustrations, using cyanotypes to showcase her detailed plant specimens, making her book the first book illustrated with photographic images. 👩‍🔬

So, what is this magical process, and why should you care? Well, for starters, it’s:

• Relatively inexpensive: No need to break the bank on fancy equipment.
• Simple to learn: Even a novice can produce stunning results.
• Incredibly rewarding: The satisfaction of creating a beautiful image with your own hands is unmatched.
• Downright beautiful: That Prussian blue hue is mesmerizing. 💙

(II. The Chemistry: A Love Story Between Iron and Light)

Okay, time for a little chemistry lesson! Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds. We’re not going to be balancing equations or memorizing the periodic table. Instead, we’ll focus on the key players in this light-activated drama:

The Two Magic Ingredients:

Ingredient Name	Chemical Name(s)	Role in the Process
Solution A: Ferric Ammonium Citrate	Ammonium Iron(III) Citrate	This is the light-sensitive component. When exposed to UV light, the iron(III) ions are reduced to iron(II) ions. Think of it as the main actor in our play, reacting to the spotlight. ✨
Solution B: Potassium Ferricyanide	Potassium Hexacyanoferrate(III)	This acts as the developer. The iron(II) ions produced by the light exposure react with the ferricyanide to form a complex insoluble blue pigment known as Prussian blue, or ferric ferrocyanide. This is the plot twist where the story turns into something beautiful and permanent. 📘

The Reaction in a Nutshell (Simplified):

1. UV Light Exposure: Ferric ammonium citrate + UV light -> Iron(II) ions
2. Development (Washing): Iron(II) ions + Potassium ferricyanide -> Prussian blue (insoluble)

Think of it like this: the light is the matchmaker, arranging a date between the iron and the ferricyanide. When they get together, bam! Beautiful blue magic happens. 💥

Mixing the Solutions:

• Solution A: Dissolve 25 grams of ferric ammonium citrate in 100ml of water. (A 25% solution)
• Solution B: Dissolve 10 grams of potassium ferricyanide in 100ml of water. (A 10% solution)

Important Safety Note: While the chemicals used in cyanotype printing are relatively safe compared to other photographic processes, it’s still crucial to handle them with care. Wear gloves 🧤 to avoid skin irritation, and avoid ingesting or inhaling the solutions. Always work in a well-ventilated area. And don’t let your pets drink them. They might end up with blue tongues and a very confusing day. 🐾

(III. The Process: From Coating to Captivating Cyan)

Now that we know the chemistry, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of actually making a cyanotype!

1. Gathering Your Supplies:

Before you embark on this blue adventure, you’ll need to assemble your arsenal. Here’s a checklist:

• The Two Solutions: Ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide solutions (mixed as described above).
• Paper or Fabric: Watercolor paper, cotton fabric, or even wood can work. Choose a natural material that can absorb the solution. (I prefer watercolor paper around 300gsm)
• A Brush or Sponge: For applying the solution to your chosen material. A foam brush works well for even coverage. 🖌️
• A Dark Room or Area: To mix and apply the solutions. Cyanotype chemistry is light-sensitive, so darkness is your friend. 🧛
• A Container for Mixing: A small dish or beaker will do.
• Gloves: To protect your skin.
• An Exposure Frame or Piece of Glass: To hold your negative or objects in place during exposure.
• Objects to Print: Leaves, flowers, feathers, stencils, or a digital negative printed on transparency film.
• A Water Source: For washing the print.
• A Tray or Tub: For washing the print.
• A Drying Rack or Clothesline: To dry your masterpiece.

2. Coating the Paper (or Fabric):

This is where the magic begins! In your dimly lit space, mix equal parts of Solution A and Solution B in your container. Stir them gently. The mixture will have a greenish-yellow color.

Now, using your brush or sponge, evenly coat your paper or fabric with the mixed solution. Apply a thin, even layer, avoiding drips and puddles. Think of it like painting a canvas, but with light-sensitive potion. 🧙

Once coated, let the paper dry completely in the dark. You can use a fan to speed up the drying process. The paper will turn a pale yellow color as it dries. This usually takes a few hours, so plan accordingly.

3. Creating Your Image (Exposure Time!)

This is where the sun comes into play. Place your coated and dried paper in your exposure frame, with your chosen objects or negative on top. Ensure everything is pressed firmly against the paper to prevent blurry edges.

Now, take your frame outside and expose it to direct sunlight. The exposure time will vary depending on the intensity of the sun, the time of year, and the density of your negative or objects.

• Sunny Day: 5-20 minutes
• Overcast Day: 30-60 minutes

You’ll know the exposure is complete when the coated areas have turned a bronzy-gray color. The areas covered by your objects or negative will remain a pale greenish-yellow. It’s like watching a photographic tan develop! ☀️

4. Developing the Print (Washing Away the Unexposed Solution):

Once you’ve exposed your print, it’s time to wash away the unexposed solution and reveal the beautiful blue image.

Remove the print from the exposure frame and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. Wash away all the yellow residue. Keep the paper in the water for at least 5 minutes. Gently agitate the print to ensure all the unexposed solution is removed. You’ll see the Prussian blue image emerge as you wash. 🌊

5. Drying and Finishing:

After washing, hang your print to dry. As it dries, the blue color will deepen and intensify. You can speed up the drying process with a fan or hairdryer, but be careful not to overheat the print.

Once dry, your cyanotype is complete! Congratulations, you’ve created a piece of photographic art! 🎉

Enhancing the Blue (Optional):

If you want to deepen the blue color even further, you can try the following:

• Hydrogen Peroxide: Adding a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the final wash water can intensify the blue.
• Toning: You can tone cyanotypes with various household chemicals like coffee, tea, or even wine! This will alter the color of the print, creating unique and interesting effects. Experiment and see what you discover! 🍷

(IV. Troubleshooting: When the Blue Goes Wrong)

Like any artistic process, cyanotype printing can sometimes present challenges. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

Problem	Possible Cause(s)	Solution(s)
Faint or Weak Image	Underexposure, weak solutions, old solutions, not enough coating.	Increase exposure time, use fresh solutions, ensure solutions are mixed correctly, apply a thicker coating.
Overexposed Image (Dark Blue All Over)	Overexposure, too strong solutions.	Reduce exposure time, dilute solutions slightly.
Uneven Coating	Uneven application, drips, puddles.	Apply the coating in a thin, even layer, avoid drips and puddles, use a foam brush or roller for even coverage.
Blue Streaks or Stains	Insufficient washing, contaminated wash water.	Wash the print more thoroughly, use fresh wash water, agitate the print gently during washing.
Yellowing of the Image	Insufficient washing, residual chemicals.	Wash the print more thoroughly, use a final wash with distilled water.
Solutions Not Mixing Properly	Expired chemicals, wrong ratio.	Ensure you are using fresh chemicals that have not expired. Use the correct ratio of solutions A and B. Mixing instructions usually come with the chemicals, so make sure you have read them carefully.

(V. Beyond Blueprints: Creative Applications)

While cyanotypes were originally used for technical drawings, they offer a vast canvas for artistic expression. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Photograms: Arrange objects directly on the coated paper to create silhouette-like images. Leaves, flowers, feathers, and even everyday objects can become stunning works of art. 🍃
• Digital Negatives: Print a high-contrast black and white image on transparency film and use it as a negative to create cyanotype prints from your photographs. 📸
• Toning Experiments: Experiment with different toning agents to alter the color of the prints. Coffee, tea, wine, and other household chemicals can produce a range of hues from brown to purple.
• Mixed Media: Combine cyanotypes with other art techniques like painting, drawing, or collage to create unique and layered pieces. 🎨
• Fabric Printing: Use cyanotype to print patterns and designs on fabric for clothing, home décor, or other textile projects. 👕
• Unique Gifts: Create personalized cyanotype prints for friends and family. A framed print, a handmade card, or even a cyanotype-printed tote bag makes a thoughtful and unique gift. 🎁

(VI. Conclusion: Embrace the Blue!)

Cyanotype printing is more than just a historical process; it’s a gateway to creativity, experimentation, and the sheer joy of making images with your own hands. It’s a reminder that beauty can be found in simplicity, and that even the most basic materials can be transformed into something extraordinary.

So, go forth and embrace the blue! Experiment, explore, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. After all, every mistake is just a learning opportunity in disguise. And who knows, you might just discover your own unique cyanotype masterpiece. Happy printing!

(VII. Further Resources)

• Books:

  • "Blueprint to Cyanotypes: Exploring a Historical Alternative Photographic Process" by Christina Z. Anderson
  • "Cyanotype: The History, Science and Art of Photographic Printing in Prussian Blue" by Mike Ware

• Websites:

  • Alternative Photography
  • Lomography

• Workshops: Many art centers and community colleges offer cyanotype workshops. Check your local listings.

Now, go forth and create! And remember, if all else fails, just blame the sun. 😉 ☀️