In 1843 Anna Atkins published the first book of photography made using the cyanotype process called British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions. If you are a cyanotyper, you may also be interested in our tribute event to this true pioneer. Anna Children (maiden name of Anna Atkins) is born 16th of March 1799 in Tonbridge, Kent, UK, the daughter of John George Children (1777-1852) and Hester Anne Holwell (1777-1799). The house of … Read more
We will open for entries on World Cyanotype Day, the 30th of September and deadline is 7th of October 2023. Once a year – on the last Saturday in September – the cyanotype gets special attention. Since 2015 the cyanotype is celebrated on the last Saturday in September in the yearly event World cyanotype Day. If you are not one of those who do cyanotypes EVERY day, it may be a … Read more
333 artists from 40 countries took part in World Cyanotype Day 2022. The gallery is here! Enjoy
Once you’ve explored classic cyanotype photograms, OHP negatives, UV light boxes or wet cyanotypes, you may be interested in having even more fun with wet cyanotype painting. Dennis Humphrey began his explorations between 2018 and 2020. Basically, it is spontaneous painting with liquid cyanotype emulsion, on paper, under the sun—a fun, serendipitous process. Writer and photography / Dennis Humphrey What is a wet cyanotype painting? It is painting, drawing, pouring, … Read more
Paolo Saccheri tests different variations of citric acids, washing and printing variables for the cyanotype process and shares his results with us. Please note that this is for the advanced cyanotyper. If you are a beginner, please start with Cyanotype – the classic process. Writer and photography / Paolo Saccheri Paper white and citric acid variations for cyanotypes Normally, when you print in cyanotype (or any of the other alternative … Read more
Cyanogifts – a collective from Macedonia – channel their creativity into placing art on everyday objects, like their cyanotype tote bags. How did Cyanogifts start? Cyanogifts was an idea that started from our love for alternative photographic processes. The idea is fairly old, yet, as we say, the star constellations were not adequate to make it happen. “We wanted to place our love and passion for cyanotypes into something practical, … Read more
Cyanotypes can be printed on Japanese washi paper with added textures and fine results. But washing Japanese washi paper is a fine art in itself. Adam Welch shares his method. Writer and photography / Adam Welch Any logical person might ask “But why”? And who am I to disagree? “In fact, it’s perfectly normal to wonder why someone would choose to place themselves in the way of a photographic quagmire … Read more
Once a year the cyanotype gets special attention. Since 2015 the cyanotype is celebrated on the last Saturday in September in the yearly event World cyanotype Day (WCD for short). The next time is the 30th of September 2023. Subscribe to the Cyanotype Newsletter, and you will be notified. Beginner or seasoned cyanotyper, don’t hesitate to take part!. How to take part in World Cyanotype Day 2023 If you know … Read more
Cyanotypes are those blueprints you have probably seen. It is the best way to get started and learn alternative photographic processes. The process is easy to learn but takes a lifetime to master. The cyanotype process is easy to learn, and a good starting point for anyone who want to learn more about alternative photographic processes. Here are some steps to take when you want to learn the cyanotype process: … Read more
An excerpt from Blueprint to cyanotypes: Exploring a historical alternative photographic process. Making photograms in the cyanotype process.
The 25th of September 2021 is World Cyanotype Day. Last year there were 265 artists taking part here from 50 different countries. Can this year possibly get BIGGER? Well, start by preparing, you have plenty of time to really think of the theme and make something NEW, and the theme this year is “Rejuvenation”. Enter your work in the gallery at AlternativePhotography.com: AlternativePhotography.com/gallery/gallery-by-process/world-cyanotype-day-2021-gallery-rejuvenation/ There are many more ways to take … Read more
An excerpt from Blueprint to cyanotypes: Exploring a historical alternative photographic process. 3 different coating methods and how to dry and store the coated paper.
Edd Carr has created what may be the first cyanotype video. He was commissioned by Globe town Records in London to make a music video for Tycho Jones, and did so making over 5000 frames in cyanotypes and animating them. The music is melodic and has a nice beat and the cyanotypes are stunning. The video also deals thematically with birds and their relationship to culture and the climate crisis. … Read more
Photography rebus number 3! One of our favorite subjects! Comment on this photo rebus with your answer below – and no cheating looking at the comments before. 🙂
Jalo Porkkala has tested papers for cyanotype printing and shares the result.
Malin Fabbri shows how to care for and wash your cyanotypes printed on fabric.
The process of making photographic images with ferric salts in camera by Arpan Mukherjee.
Cyanotype process – a modified extract from the book Blueprint to cyanotypes describing the classic or traditional cyanotype process.
Jackie, a very experienced quilt maker, shows how she incorporates cyanotypes, or blueprints on fabric, made from plants, into your quilts.
A brief history of the cyanotype process invented by Sir John Herschel