Cyanotype


Book Description

Cyanotype: The Blueprint in Contemporary Practice is a two part book on the much admired blue print process. Part One is a comprehensive how-to on the cyanotype process for both beginner and advanced practitioners, with lots of photographs and clear, step-by-step directions and formulas. Part Two highlights contemporary artists who are using cyanotype, making work that ranges from the photographic to the abstract, from the traditional to the conceptual, with tips on their personal cyanotype methods alongside their work. These artists illustrate cyanotype’s widespread use in contemporary photography today, probably the most of any alternative process. Book features include: A brief discussion of the practice of the process with some key historical points How to set up the cyanotype ÒdimroomÓ The most extensive discussion of suitable papers to date, with data from 100+ papers Step-by-step digital negative methods for monochrome and duotone negatives Chapters on classic, new, and other cyanotype formulas Toning to create colors from yellow to brown to violet Printing cyanotype over palladium, for those who want to temper cyanotype’s blue nature Printing cyanotype on alternate surfaces such as fabric, glass, and wood More creative practice ideas for cyanotype such as handcoloring and gold leafing Troubleshooting cyanotype, photographically illustrated Finishing, framing, and storing cyanotype Contemporary artists’ advice, techniques, and works Cyanotype is backed with research from 120 books, journals, and magazine articles from 1843 to the present day. It is richly illustrated with 400 photographs from close to 80 artists from 14 countries. It is a guide for the practitioner, from novice to expert, providing inspiration and proof of cyanotype’s original and increasing place in historical and contemporary photography.




Blueprint to cyanotypes – Exploring a historical alternative photographic process


Book Description

An excellent beginners’ guide to cyanotypes – all you need to get started, and some goodies for more advanced cyanotypers too. About the book The cyanotype is often the first alternative process that people try. It is relatively easy and safe enough to nurture a child’s interest in photography. It can also be seen as a gateway to further exploration of historic photographic methods. In addition, it gives experienced photographers and artists a great excuse to take their eyes off the computer screen and get their hands dirty. Blueprint to cyanotypes is all you will need to get started with cyanotypes. It offers the beginner a step-by-step guide, from choosing material to making the final print. It is full of information and tips. Even the experienced cyanotypist may learn a thing or two. Blueprint to cyanotypes is published by AlternativePhotography.com – a website and information center dedicated to alternative photographic processes. From Malin Fabbri, the author: Why a book on cyanotypes? Of all the alternative processes the cyanotype is the one closest to my heart. I made my first cyanotype in 1999. I was intrigued by the blue images and wanted to test the cyanotype process to see what it had to offer. I bought chemicals and spent an evening coating paper and cloth. The results of the next day’s printing surprised me. Although the alchemy of the darkroom had always captivated me, developing a print in the sun was like a liberation. One of the things I found most refreshing about the process was the unpredictability of the results. Some of my best prints were the product of ‘happy accidents’. The developing process is straightforward. The chemicals are cheap, and most of the other items used can be found around the house. Pre-coated paper is available, but one of the benefits of working with cyanotypes is the great flexibility of material and paper available to you. Cyanotypes print on anything made of natural fibre. Cotton, linen, silk, handmade paper, watercolor paper and rags are just number of alternatives. Some artists even print on wood. So, if you want to explore a fun alternative photographic process or seriously want to experiment with producing unique fine art, make a cyanotype.




Beginner's Guide to Cyanotype


Book Description

Learn to use cyanotype process on fabric, note cards, paper and so much more! Create a beautiful blue colored world using this amazing printing process. Crafters will learn how to apply a special light-sensitive solution to various surfaces and witness the transformative effect of sunlight or UV light, as their creations magically turn into vibrant blue works of art. What makes cyanotype particularly appealing is its versatility, as it provides a fun, accessible, and affordable means to transform ordinary objects into extraordinary blue-hued keepsakes. Whether you are a budding artist in search of a new creative outlet or an individual seeking to infuse your gifts with a mesmerizing blue hue, "A Beginner's Guide to Cyanotype" will serve as your ultimate beginner-friendly guide. You are guided on how to use cyanotype printing on a variety of surfaces and unlock the potential of this enchanting artistic process. With Kim Tillyer's expert instruction and inspiration, you will embark on a journey of artistic exploration, creating unique and captivating cyanotype masterpieces that reflect your individual style and vision.




Cyanotype Toning


Book Description

Cyanotype is the most accessible and frequently used of all the alternative photographic processes. When utilized properly, it has the potential to rival other processes when it comes to detail and tonal range, but its Prussian blue color isn’t always suitable for the final photograph. Throughout history, cyanotype prints have been toned not only with various—and at times hazardous—chemicals but also with more natural ingredients like tea and coffee. Since the cyanotype itself is non-toxic, Cyanotype Toning will champion an innovative process, developed by the author, of toning cyanotypes with natural material. This process, which is easy and reliable, offers a much broader range of possible colors and even beautiful black and whites. Even duotone or tricolor prints can be attained. The book consists of two parts. Part One is a step-by-step how-to section including all the information that a student at any level needs to achieve a successfully toned print. Easy-to-understand background information is provided on how and why the process works so that readers can venture on their own into the world of natural colors. The first part also has a detailed section on all the factors that can influence the outcome, like paper choice, water quality, properties of the plants, temperature of the bath and the duration of the toning. Part Two is devoted to contemporary artists who have explored toning with botanicals and integrated the process into their creative practice. The book includes: A list of equipment and supplies needed. In depth information about useful plants and the specific properties that make them suitable for toning cyanotypes. Concise step-by-step instructions for printing cyanotypes successfully. A chart of more than 60 tested papers with recommendations on paper choice. Step-by-step generic instructions on toning with botanicals. Troubleshooting toning with botanicals. More detailed recipes for specific colors with information about the plants. Step-by-step instructions on how to print duotone and tricolor prints. A range of creative ideas on how to use the process in classrooms and with different age groups. A comprehensive list of more than 380 tested parts of plants and possible color outcomes. Using botanicals to tone cyanotypes broadens the color spectrum, enlarges creative possibilities and makes the cyanotype process even more versatile. The process is not cut and dried science but a limitless field for discovery and surprises. Cyanotype Toning provides accessible information and instructions for readers at all levels. It is comprehensive and explanatory, so that readers can expand on the subject on their own, as did the contemporary artists who share their experiences and the works they have created using this innovative toning process.




The Bluest of Blues


Book Description

A gorgeous picture book biography of botanist and photographer Anna Atkins--the first person to ever publish a book of photography After losing her mother very early in life, Anna Atkins (1799–1871) was raised by her loving father. He gave her a scientific education, which was highly unusual for women and girls in the early 19th century. Fascinated with the plant life around her, Anna became a botanist. She recorded all her findings in detailed illustrations and engravings, until the invention of cyanotype photography in 1842. Anna used this new technology in order to catalogue plant specimens—a true marriage of science and art. In 1843, Anna published the book Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions with handwritten text and cyanotype photographs. It is considered the first book of photographs ever published. Weaving together histories of women, science, and art, The Bluest of Blues will inspire young readers to embark on their own journeys of discovery and creativity.




Cyanotypes on Fabric


Book Description

"Learn how to create ... beautiful, subtle, blueprints on gorgeous fabrics. Also, find out how to create digital negatives, how to colour your cyanotypes and how to take care of your prints"--Back cover.




Blueprints on Fabric


Book Description

This explores the history of blueprinting, explains the how-to's in clear detail, and offers step-by-step instructions to make the process foolproof.




Alternative Process Photography for the Contemporary Photographer


Book Description

A comprehensive textbook, Alternative Process Photography for the Contemporary Photographer explores the ways in which the materiality and science of photography and aesthetic concepts of contemporary photography can work together in an accessible way. The book explores processes such as calotype, wet plate collodion, cyanotype, platinum and palladium, gum bichromate and digital. It explains not only the historical context behind these processes but draws on examples from contemporary practitioners to show how the processes can be used within the field of contemporary photography. Author Morgan Post exemplifies the creative ways in which a contemporary photographer can engage with alternative process photography as a beginner and includes contributions from Takashi Arai, Alida Rodrigues, Binh Danh, Diana H. Bloomfield and many others from around the world. The textbook is accompanied by a companion website offering accessible step-by-step video instructions that demonstrate the processes explored. Bridging analogue and digital media, the textbook is ideal for students of photography and amateur photographers with an interest in alternative methods to photography.




Cyanotype


Book Description

This is the first published monograph on the cyanotype process. It describes the history, chemistry, conservation, aesthetics and practice of photographic printing in Prussian blue. The unpublished experimental memoranda of Sir John Herschel, inventor if the process, are interpreted to unfold his discovery of iron-based photography, including his various formulae for cyanotype. The chemistry of the process is explained for the non-specialist, and many experimental variations on blueprinting are described. This book should interest photohistorians, curators and conservators of photographs, photoscientists concerned with 'non silver' processes and photographic print-makers who wish to use cyanotype today as an expressive artistic medium.




Jill Enfield’s Guide to Photographic Alternative Processes


Book Description

Jill Enfield’s Guide to Photographic Alternative Processes, 2nd edition, is packed with stunning imagery, how-to recipes, techniques and historical information for emulating the ethereal, dream-like feel of alternative processing. This fully updated edition covers alternative processing from its historical roots through to digital manipulation and contemporary techniques and how to combine them. It features several new techniques alongside new approaches to older techniques, including hand painting on silver gelatin prints, ceramics and photography, cyanotypes, wet plate collodion, digital prints and many more. Enfield showcases the different styles and methods of contemporary artists together with suggestions for vegan and vegetarian friendly alternative processing, transforming 2D images to 3D installations, and how to apply darkroom techniques to digital captures. Professionals, students and hobbyists will discover how to bring new life and imagination to their imagery. Whether in a darkroom using traditional chemicals, at the kitchen sink with pantry staples, or in front of the computer re-creating techniques digitally, you will learn how to add a richness and depth to your photography like never before.