Cyanotypes – AlternativePhotography.com

Figure 13: Image Transfer over Cyanotype: Cyanotype and image transfers applied overlapping onto paper.

Hand Sanitiser + Cyanotype Transfers

Want to explore an experimental combination of hand sanitiser and cyanotypes? Julie Mixon shares an inexpensive, accessible way to expand the traditional cyanotype process by introducing photographic color, layering, masking, double exposures, and other visual effects. Learn about the challenges such as paper expansion and image registration, and try a flexible way to experiment with combining photographic images and cyanotype. Writer and photography / Julie Mixon Internet searches for things … Read more

Measuring Cyanotype Chemicals Without a Scale – including Cheat Sheet

A practical guide to measuring cyanotype chemicals with teaspoons and tablespoons. Many cyanotype practitioners (I am one example) like to work with precise measurements and repeatable results using a gram scale, but beginners may not yet have invested in a gram scale. Fortunately, there is another option using spoons. I measured common kitchen measuring spoons filled with cyanotype chemicals 20 times each and calculated the averages. The results provide a … Read more

Wet Cyanotype Notes – Document your experimental printing

by Malin Fabbri Buy the wet cyanotype notebook here – published by AlternativePhotography.com Wet cyanotypes are playful but unpredictable. For me, it is also one of the hardest processes to remember afterwards. By documenting, I have learned to “read” the finished print to see where I did what. I sketch the print in the notebook and mark where I added different additives. I write down what was added where. … Read more

Printable Cheat Sheet: Cyanotype Recipes Without a Scale

Cheat Sheets for Alternative Photographic Processes

This cheat sheet is part of an evolving resource collection for alternative photographic processes, and more will be added over time. They are free to Supporting Members as part of their membership. For non-members, the sheets can be purchased individually. Becoming a member not only gives you free access to all current and future cheat sheets, but also helps support the ongoing development of our free learning resources – yes, … Read more

WORKSHOP – Advanced Anthotype and Experimental Cyanotype Explorations with Malin Fabbri, June 1-6, Norway

For EARLY BIRD sign up offer or questions, contact post@nordphotography.com The Alchemy of Sunlight DATES: June 1-6, 2027 LOCATION: Saga – Inderøy – Norway More info and sign up here Join Malin Fabbri, founder and editor of AlternativePhotography.com and author of several books on cyanotype, anthotype, and alternative photographic processes, for an exclusive week of learning, experimentation, and image-making in a small group setting. This intensive hands-on course combines studio … Read more

Building an LED exposure box for cyanotypes and other processes

A practical guide to building a safe, reliable LED exposure box for cyanotype printing, enabling consistent results without relying on sunlight. Writer and photography / Manfred J. Semmler To be able to produce cyanotypes at any time, even without sunlight, I built an exposure box. The simplest solution is to take a piece of cardboard with a base slightly larger than the paper size, remove the bottom completely, and cut … Read more

UV exposure in a weather app. It's not 100% exact, but it's good enough if you don't have a UV meter.

Collab – Finding the perfect exposure time for printing cyanotypes in the sun

A cyanotype is made by exposing paper coated with light-sensitive cyanotype chemicals in the sun or under a UV light box, usually resulting in rich Prussian blue images. But exposure times vary, so what would be the best exposure time? –> Fill out form and share your exposure time, UV and colour of the final print here. If you used a UV unit or LED lamp to expose, the result … Read more

Cyanotype Toning with Avocado Stones

Clive Pigott tries out Annette Golaz’s recipe for toning cyanotypes with avocado. The original recipe can be found in Annette Golaz’s book Cyanotype Toning alongside many other recipes. Writer and photography / Clive Pigott I was first introduced to alternative and historical printing techniques back in the early 90’s, when I was in my late 20’s. I had picked up an anniversary copy of the British Journal of Photography which … Read more

The checklist for cyanotype supplies and learning resources

Few things are more frustrating than being ready to print – only to discover you’re out of supplies, or that the paper you grabbed last minute ruins your image. Use it to learn or to take part in World Cyanotype Day. We have put together a handy checklist of materials, plus some recommended reading if it’s been a while since you last printed – or if you’re just curious to … Read more

Cyanotype printed in vaccuum sealed bag. The air pressure stiffens the bag when you remove the air, and the bag is not even. Put it in a frame behind glass when exposing to flatten it further.

Vacuum-Sealed Cyanotype Printing with Leaves

Bernd Hutschenreuther shares how he enhances cyanotype prints by using a vacuum-sealed bag to press leaves or other materials tightly against the paper, ensuring sharp detail. Inspired by Lothmann’s experiments, this technique is practical for achieving high precision in botanical cyanotypes. Writer and photography / Bernd Hutschenreuther The main benefit of using a vacuum-sealed bag for cyanotype printing is achieving sharp, high-detail prints by ensuring perfect contact between the object … Read more

Cyanotypes in Real Time: A 5-Minute Creative Journey Wherever You Are

Cyanotypes are one of the most accessible photographic printing processes. With a few compact tools in your backpack, Christiane Casas shares how to create unique blue-toned prints on the go – in just five minutes! Whether you’re at the beach, in a park, or exploring a new city, this method lets you capture the moment in a tactile, artistic way. Here’s how to turn a snapshot into a cyanotype print. … Read more

Tri-Color Cyanotypes: Advancing the Techniques from Duotone

Building on the foundation of duotone cyanotype, Matthew Bary guides us through the next step – creating tri-colour cyanotypes, including a detailed step-by-step for preparing negatives. Drawing from earlier failed experiments. With emphasis on image selection, precision, and patience, this method reveals how vibrant, multi-layered cyanotypes can be achieved using simple materials and creative problem-solving. Writer and photography / Matthew Bary My “duo tone” tests and instructions ultimately came … Read more

A cameraless cyanotype can become an elegant silver-based graphic positive.

Positive Silver Print from Negative Cyanotype

Gabriele Coassin shares a process which transforms cyanotype negatives into striking black-and-white silver prints. By contact printing in the darkroom, artists can achieve unique tonal effects, enhance contrast, and explore creative techniques like toning or liquid emulsion for further artistic expression. Writer / Gabriele Coassin Photography / The photographs included in this project were taken by participants WARNING: This is for experienced and advanced users only. Read the MSDS (Material … Read more

In-Camera Cyanotype using the Two-bath Cyanotype

In this experiment Bernd Hutschenreuther explores the two-bath separate solutions process for cyanotype, similar to Sir John Herschel’s first method. A cyanotype image was created using a 6×9 cm folding camera with an extended exposure time due to weak winter sunlight. Writer and photography / Bernd Hutschenreuther Several attempts to make cyanotypes directly in the camera have been made and published here, both successful, unsuccessful and a negative print cyanotype. … Read more

2 bath cyanotype print by Bernd Hutschenreuther

Two-Bath Cyanotype Process: A Minimalist Approach

Bernd Hutschenreuther shares his experiments with a two-bath cyanotype process—a rapid variation of the traditional method—using ammonium ferric citrate and potassium hexacyanidoferrate(III). The paper is coated, dried, and exposed to UV light before being developed in a red blood lye salt solution, causing the exposed areas to turn blue within seconds. A final rinse with water, optionally enhanced with hydrogen peroxide, refines the image. This minimalistic and efficient process closely … Read more

Double exposed wet cyanotype by Tena Smith

Wet Cyanotype – injecting colours and double exposing

Tena Smith guides you through a colorful variation of the wet cyanotype process with emphasis on experimentation and creativity. Choosing plant materials, mixing colors, preparing paper, and arranging designs as well as applying colors, and adding soap bubbles and saran wrap are covered to create vibrant, unique cyanotype prints. Writer and photography / Tena Smith I would like to first state that I am not an expert in Cyanotype, but … Read more

Cyanotype Lace Purse – Trompe L’oeil

Printing on fabric involves similar techniques as on paper, with a few key differences. Cyanotype prints on fabric are often more striking and can be embellished with embroidery. Kim Tillyer shares her project uses a 100% organic cotton purse blank, requiring more solution and careful drying for optimal results from her book Beginner’s Guide to Cyanotype: Beautiful projects to print with light. Writer and photography / Kim Tillyer Printing on … Read more

Duotone cyanotypes #7 – Print the final layer

Part 7 is the last in Matthew Bary’s series Duotone cyanotype on how to create and print the second layer of the duotone cyanotype print. It explains how to dilute the cyanotype solution for better control and shows the importance of proper registration when aligning the negative with the first layer print. Writer and photography / Matthew Bary The previous part Duotone cyanotypes #6 – Print the first layer. Making the … Read more

Duotone cyanotypes #6 – Print the first layer

Part 6 in Matthew Bary’s series Duotone cyanotype with detailed instructions for the penultimate step in the due-tone cyanotype process, including preparing bleach and toning solutions, exposing the print, developing, bleaching, and toning the paper. Writer and photography / Matthew Bary A continuation from the previous article Duotone cyanotypes #5 – Shrink the paper. Text Making the first layer! This is the second to final step for this due tone … Read more

Duotone cyanotypes #5 – Shrink the paper

Part 5 in Matthew Bary’s series Duotone cyanotype shows how to prepare watercolor paper for printing due-tone cyanotypes, by shrinking the paper, coating it with cyanotype chemicals, and drying it thoroughly. Writer and photography / Matthew Bary Once you have printed the negative as in Duotone cyanotypes #4 – Print the negative it is time to shrink the paper. In this section we are going to shrink the paper and … Read more

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