A couple of Christmases ago, Steve gave me a cyanotype kit. I had a little play at the time, and then put it aside (likely to wait for sunny weather!).
After that, every time I thought of getting it out, the weather was less than ideal for “sun printing” – until now! (although, I have since discovered that cloudy days at this time of year are still suitable)
I’m particularly enjoying the printing of my own photographs. It’s a reasonably simple process:
- sharpen the photo/adjust the contrast for maximum effect,
- use an online tool to convert it to a negative,
- print on a transparent sheet,
- lay the negative over the paper that has been coated with the cyanotype solution,
- leave in the sun to expose the image.
There’s a lot to learn – I’m experimenting to find the best type of paper and the optimum exposure time.
Loads of fun to be had too – painting the solution into shapes on the paper, layering the negative with other items (leaves and flowers etc), and adding to the completed image with watercolour paints or metallic leaf.
For now – here are three that I’ve created from my photographs. I imagine there will be many, many more to come!
