Demo Class for Cyanotype Printmaking

Cyanotype printing is a historic photo process that makes blue images. It was invented in the mid 19th century and is the same process that was used to make architectural blueprints before the digital age. This session will introduce participants to the printing process using both photographic negatives in a contact print frame as well as objects placed directly on the emulsion-coated paper to make camera-less photograms. Toning the cyanotypes will also be demonstrated using the chemistry of plants to alter the blue of the image to other colors, as the tannins in plants interact with the iron in the cyanotype emulsion. Plants such as yerba mate tea, grape leaves and strawberry leaves, as well as many, many others can be used.

Host or Publisher Glen Echo Photoworks