Cyanotype Print

Cyanotype Print

Cyanotype print is a photographic image created in white on a bright blue background. They are made usually on paper or cloth or any recipient surface that is sensitized with the use of Potassium ferricyanide and Ammonium iron (III) citrate chemicals.

History

In 1842 Sir John Herschel, an English scientist and astronomer invented the process of cyanotype printing. Though Sir John Herschel did the discovery but it was Anna Atkins who took forward this process in the world of photography. She is famous for being the first female photographer. She printed images using cyanotype printing and published in a book.

This is a very simple and inexpensive process of creating images. Photographers can also create large prints of their photos and other works using this method. Even today amateur photographers learn cyanotype printing if they wish to develop their career in photography.

Method

The process of creating cyanotype prints is very easy and involves few steps.  Basically two chemicals (Potassium ferricyanide and Ammonium iron (III) citrate) are used to treat surfaces or any printing medium on which the image needs to be created.  Solutions are made of these chemicals by mixing them with water.  Then they are blended equally and treated on the surface.

Cyanotype prints can be formed on paper, fabric, wood, ceramic, leather, card or any absorbent surface as long as it can be treated with cyanotype chemicals. After treating the surface it is kept for drying in a dark place. Care is taken to see that it is completely dry. Any photograph can be made into a negative that can be converted to a print. This negative or any image or item of which print needs to be created is then placed on the sensitized surface. 

Then when this is exposed to sunlight or any source of UV light, a print is formed due to the chemical reaction of iron.Then this is rinsed very well in water to wash out extra chemicals and it is left to dry. What forms is a beautiful image in deep blue color that is known as a cyanotype print.

Protection of Cyanotype prints

If cyanotype prints are over-exposed to light or exposed for a very long time there are chances that the prints might fade. If this happens, they simply need to be stored in a dark area for some time. Apart from this,cyanotype prints are long-lasting. If stored well they can be preserved for long.
 
A Tip for you

You will get stunning cyanotype prints if you use pictures that have good contrast.Try to use only opaque and flat objects for the photos. If you are using materials like flowers, leaves or feathers, place a glass sheet over them for a crisp image. It is advisable that you wear gloves while handling cyanotype chemicals.

Current Scenario

Even after about hundred and seventy years cyanotype prints are being created.  Photographerss can benefit a lot by learning this process. Once you are aware of the process then you can create images as many as you can imagine. It is an art in itself. The fact is, a cyanotype print is beautiful to look at, whether it is transformed into pieces of art or made on fabric that is used as bed spreads, quilts, and t-shirts.

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