Project six: The big project
James Paterson discovers this analogue process for detailed Prussian-blue prints of found objects and digital photos
The cyanotype process is one of the earliest photographic techniques that remains popular to this day. Paper is coated with the cyanotype solution then exposed to ultraviolet light. Objects placed on top of the paper – whether natural things like plants, man-made items or negative film – is reproduced on the paper in stark monochrome, the silhouetted details held back to white while the exposed areas bloom into shades of Prussian blue. In the past its simplicity made it especially useful for reproducing documents of building designs, hence the term ‘blueprint’.
These days you can even use the technique to physically print your digital Nikon photos by first converting them into negatives in Photoshop and printing them onto a sheet of transparency film, before overlaying the physical transparency onto your coated cyanotype paper and exposing it. The process is inexpensive and easy. You’ll need cyanotype chemicals that can be ordered for under £20 – ready-coated paper exists, but coating the paper yourself is easy enough, works out cheaper and allows you to create lovely brushed borders at the edges. Cyanotypes are exposed via daylight or UV light like a black light or UV torch.
Relatively slow exposure times allow us to fine-tune the composition of objects and experiment with movement. With a UV light, we can also finesse our exposure by ‘burning’ areas that need more light, or vignetting the edges of the print. After washing and drying, we’re left with a beautiful piece of analogue art ready to display.
The set-up: creative cyanotypes
GET PREPARED FOR CYANOTYPE PRINTING AT HOME WITH A UV LIGHT
The cyanotype paper is sensitive to ultraviolet light. It can be exposed either using daylight or with a UV light source (such as a Convoy S2+ UV torch) suspended above the print. A small source of light like the torch creates hard-edged shadows, which can help to create more definition in the print.
Coat some paper in the cyanotype solution, then leave the paper to dry in a dark place and store it in a light-proof bag until you’re ready to use it. When the paper is exposed to UV light the solution goes dark. Any items placed on top of the paper block the light and show as white silhouettes.
When using a strong source of UV light, such as the torch here, we should always wear safety goggles, as UV light can permanently damage eyes. Simple, plastic safety glasses will provide protection. But be aware that even with the glasses on, you should keep your time under the UV light to a minimum.
A sheet of glass or clear acrylic is helpful for keeping the items flat against
