Cyanotypes (Experimental Photography) 2022/23

Artist Research:

John Herschel:

John Herschel invented to cyanotype in 1842. John was an astronomer who wanted to present colour into photography. With the information he knew about chemicals he made the mixture of ferric ammonium and potassium ferricyanide which are light sensitive.

Barbara Kasten:

Barbara abandoned a project that she was doing to pursue cyanotype photography

What are cyanotypes?

Cyanotypes are made by using an equal amounts of light sensitive chemicals which are painted onto paper. The outcome of this is to make an imprint or a 'tan line'. An object of your choosing is placed on top of the paper and then put in direct contact with a light source. time in the light source can range anywhere between 10 minutes and 5 five hours, the time will depend on how strong the light is. The end result should be something along the lines of this.

In simple terms cyanotypes are an outline

Anything can be used to make cyanotypes