Cyanotype photograms

Without a camera

Cyanotype is one of the oldest photographic techniques, invented in the 19th century. To make a cyanotype photogram you don’t need a camera, a darkroom, or any prior experience. You need paper, a chemical solution, sunlight and objects you have to hand: leaves, fabric, transparencies, anything with a shape.

You place the objects on the sensitised paper, expose to sunlight for a few minutes and rinse with cold water. Prussian blue appears. What was covered stays white; what received light turns deep blue.

This is the entry-level session. If it hooks you — and it usually does — the full Cyanotype workshop is the natural next step.

Contents

• Brief introduction to the process: where it comes from and how it works
• Sensitising the paper with the cyanotype formula
• Composing photograms: selecting and arranging objects
• Exposure to sunlight or UV light
• Water development and oxidation: the image appears
• Possible variations: layering, movement, transparencies

What’s included

• Everything: sensitised paper, chemicals, objects for photograms
• Completely free

What to bring

• Nothing. All materials are provided.
• If you like, bring personal objects for your photograms: leaves, feathers, keys, fabric, anything with an interesting shape.

Not included

• N/A — the workshop is free. Prior registration required (limited places).