Bookreview: Blueprint to cyanotypes

Anthony Mournian from the Photographers' Formulary reviews the new beginners guide to cyanotypes.

Blueprint to Cyanotypes is 68 pages of good information. Written and illustrated by Malin and Gary Fabbri of Sweden, "Blueprint" opens the door to Cyanotype, one of the first photographic processes, taking the mystery out of what was viewed as a magical process at the time of its invention.

With clear illustrations, and written instructions to match, “Blueprint” makes it possible for anyone to make cyanotypes on their kitchen table.

Numerous examples of the high quality and wide range of results one can expect make this a book not only about "how to", but also what the finished product can look like. Prints from cyanotype artists around the globe range from simple photograms of plants and objects, to prints of massive machinery and impressive landscapes.

It won't take you long to page through this little gem, but after even a quick review it's easy to see the potential for this alluring process. Cyanotype kits are available from a number of places. The Photographers' Formulary is one, of course, and several others are included as part of Malin's handy reference materials. Also handy is a page of different measurements, a recognition that all the world is not on the same page when it comes to mixing the chemistry.

This book is usable around the globe. Though as photographers we know that light is different at different times and in different places, we have little concept of the exposure times necessary for a cyanotype. Malin explains that Cyanotype is one of the slowest of the photographic processes, and thoughtfully includes exposure times for a number of places around the world. This makes it easy to find a starting point for your locale, and speeds up the time you will spend getting to your first successful print.

If you think you have even the slightest interest in Cyanotype, buy this book now. It's published on demand by Lulu Enterprises in South Carolina. The book you order will be the book that is printed for you and shipped to you.

What's the price? $34.00 USD. Order Blueprint to Cyanotypes direct from Malin Fabbri, AlternativePhotography.com. Oh, and tell them you read about it in the Formulary newsletter!

This review was published in the Photographers' Formulary Newsletter June 2006. To subscribe to their free newsletter, visit the website.

Anthony Mournian writes the Photographers' Formulary monthly newsletter, prints silver gelatins (but can probably be lured into alternative processes) and actually read this book whilst walking. A peculiar habit of his. Watch out for low branches!

Blueprint to cyanotypes - Exploring a historical alternative photographic process
by Malin Fabbri and Gary Fabbri
A well illustrated step-by-step guide to cyanotypes.

A lot more information on the process, chemicals, coating, exposure, printing, making negatives, washing and troubleshooting is available in this book.

Strongly recommended for beginners

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