Creating Cyanotype Prints

Have you ever tried making a cyanotype or even heard of it? A cyanotype is an old photographic process that creates a shadow picture using UV rays, or the sun. During my time in college, I learned the history of photography and gained an appreciation for analog photography techniques, like cyanotypes. It amazes me how photography can encompass science, art, and history, offering a visually immersive and hands-on way to learn about these subjects. Cyanotypes provide a wonderful opportunity to blend all these elements into one activity, making it not only educational but also incredibly enjoyable.

Here's a list of what you'll need for this project:

• Paper: Any type of paper will work, but I recommend using card stock for higher quality and durability during the water bath.
• Cyanotype Chemicals
• Flowers, Leaves, Rocks, Paper Cut-outs, etc.: We used some pressed flowers from the previous summer.
• Glass: To cover the print during sun exposure and keep the object in place on the paper.
• Container: A container large enough to hold your paper for the water bath.

1. Buy two bottles of Stock Solution: Fill each bottle with water and thoroughly dissolve the chemicals by mixing well.

2. Let the Solutions Sit: Allow the bottles to sit for 24 hours before using the chemicals for printing.

3. Shelf Life: Once prepared, the Stock Solutions have a long shelf life.

1. Set Up Your Work Space: Find a dark room such as a bathroom or a dimly lit space with only a lamp on.

2. Combine Solutions A and B: Mix the Stock Solutions A and B together in a bowl. Combine equal parts of each solution. Only prepare the amount necessary for your current project.

• Stability: Once mixed, the sensitizer solution remains stable for only 2-4 hours.
• Starting Quantities: Begin with one tablespoon of Solution A and one tablespoon of Solution B. This amount is usually sufficient to make about 30 prints.

1. Lay Out Pressed Flowers: Della and I spent time arranging pressed flowers on each piece of paper. This helped us visualize our design before applying the solution.

1. Brush the Solution: Brush a coat of the sensitizer solution onto each paper. Let the papers air dry in the dark. This step is easy, and the cyanotype kit usually includes a brush.

2. Involve Your Kids: Della enjoyed painting the paper herself.

3. Protect Your Work Area: Clean up any spills on the counter or use a protective layer underneath your work area.

1. Take Your Project Outside: Once the solution has dried, take your project outside.

2. Expose to Sunlight: The recommended exposure time is between 3 and 30 minutes. Longer exposure generally yields better results. We exposed ours for the full 30 minutes.

3. Secure the Flowers: To prevent the pressed flowers from blowing off the paper, place the prints inside a picture frame or cover them with a piece of glass.

1. Watch the Magic Unfold: As the prints expose, you can instantly see the colors changing. Della and I set a timer on my phone and played outside, periodically checking on the prints to observe the transformation.

2. Experiment with Exposure Times: For a fun science twist, mark each paper in advance with a specific exposure time. Stop the process at different intervals to determine your preferred levels of exposure.

The entire process took approximately an hour. It took us about twenty minutes to cut the papers, mix the chemicals, and paint the papers. I opted to put them into an old picture frame, which made it easier to transport them outside since they start to expose and change colors as soon as they are exposed to sunlight. So, be sure to position them before moving them outdoors. After exposing each print for 30 minutes, we gave them a five-minute water bath before setting them out to dry overnight.

If you're interested in learning more about the cyanotype process and exploring advanced techniques, I recommend this book, "Cyanotype: Historical and Alternative Photography' it provides in-depth guidance and tips for creating stunning cyanotypes.

For those who want to delve into the history of photography, it's a fantastic opportunity to turn this into a homeschool unit. I suggest this book, 'History as They Saw It: Iconic Moments from the Past in Color' which covers the broader history of photography, showcasing various film processes and digital photography. This book features beautiful restoration pictures, providing a fascinating glimpse into historical moments. Each image is accompanied by informative captions and includes quotes, adding a personal touch to the historical narrative of each photograph. My daughters and I have really enjoyed this book, it offers endless inspiration.

If you're seeking the simplest approach, although not my recommended method, you can opt for pre-coated cyanotype paper. This paper allows you to create shadow images by placing them in the sun with your desired object. After sufficient exposure, bring it inside and wash it in water for about five minutes, changing the water periodically until it runs clear. This is an even easier way to experiment with cyanotypes since it eliminates the need for preparing chemicals. However, I highly recommend using the cyanotype chemical bottles, as they offer versatility and can be used on various materials such as paper, towels, shirts, pillowcases, blankets, bags, and more. It's incredibly fun, and your kids will be captivated by the magic unfolding before their eyes. In case you're still undecided, I've included a link to a set of affordable cyanotype papers that are perfect for beginners. The set offers various sizes and is an excellent starting point.

I hope this guide helps you embark on your cyanotype journey. It's a fantastic way to blend science, art, and history into a single engaging activity. Enjoy the process of creating your cyanotype prints and discovering the endless possibilities they offer.

If your kids love science you will want to check out our other science ideas.