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 of that survey will be here.

To better understand these variations, we are launching a Cyanotype Collaboration Experiment. To help cyanotype artists find the best exposure time, we’re asking artists worldwide to record their exposure times. We will compile the data and share it in a future newsletter so everyone can learn from the results. Record your UV strength, exposure times and resulting colour. (Optional data: add temperature, humidity, and location).

How to take part in the cyanotype collaboration experiment

We would love you to submit your experiments with 3 parameters:

• Exposure time
• UV strength (do a reading from your weather app if you don’t have a UV meter)
• Resulting colour of the print
• And optional data such as place/city, Country, temperature and season.
• Take part by using the form here
• Subscribe to the cyanotype newsletter to get the results here.

The survey will be open until the end of September.

Why participate?

By crowdsourcing and co-labbing these tests, we aim to:

• Find the best exposure times in different UV strengths
• Understand how exposure time affects colour and contrast
• Explore environmental impacts such as temperature and humidity
• Create a reference for cyanotypists everywhere

Keep track of your experiments

Want to track your experiments more easily? Use any notebook or check out our Cyanotype Notebook – Supporting Members get a FREE printable eBook! You can document up to 50 cyanotypes, including exposure times, conditions, chemistry variations, and observations. It’s ideal for both dry and wet cyanotypes, on paper, fabric, or any other substrate.

• Cyanotype Notebook
• Membership

Want to see the results of this survey?

We will compile all results and share them in an upcoming newsletter (as well as here) so that everyone can learn and compare, providing a valuable reference for cyanotype exposures. Make sure you receive updates and results:

• Cyanotype newsletter
• All newsletters

Join us to compare your results with others, and help build a unique reference for cyanotype enthusiasts everywhere!

Let’s learn from each other!

Malin Fabbri is the editor and founder of AlternativePhotography.com, author of several books on alternative photographic processes, and experiments with a variety of techniques such as anthotypes, cyanotypes, photopolymer gravure, chlorophyll prints, lumens, cyanograms, photosynthesis, pinholes and solargraphs.