Cyanotypes are easy and fun, and are the ideal way for someone to start exploration of historical and alternative photographic processes. The chemicals used are affordable and relatively safe, while most of the preparations can be done in a normally lighten room. Numerous places sell readymade Cyanotype supplies or even paper that has been presensitized.
The supplies can be purchased through the internet or in photo shops that sell equipment needed by analogue photographers. Several requirements have to be in place before the actual process of making a Cyanotype can begin. The most vital requirement is a sensitized solution, which either can be mixed by the photographer undertaking the process, or bought together with other supplies. The other material consists of the medium, in most process a smooth rag paper can do. Should this not be available, a piece of cloth or wood can be used.
A suitable negative is needed, which is about 35mm, not flat and having a full densities range. The last requirement is a contact print frame that can be gotten from a piece of glass or made from a photo frame. Additionally, a light source is required, in this case the sun. Since it is contact prints that are being made, the print will be the same size as the negative used.
To begin the process, opening of the image is done using any available post-production software. Should the negative not already be in black and white, conversion to color should be made with the use of any available method. Reversing the image is done as soon as a non-color image is gotten, and the contrast, levels and brightness have undergone suitable adjustment. The image is then printed on any film at the size required of the final image, using an inkjet printer.
The sensitized paper and the negative are exposed in direct sunlight. The amount of exposure will depend on the density of the negative, the paper used, the amount of sunlight together with other variables. During summertime, exposures should run between three and six minutes, while in winter it should take about 30 minutes.
In case the Cyanotype process is not utilizing the contact print frame, a part of the negatives edge can be glued to the paper, but caution should be taken to use only clear tape. Additionally, the materials should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The image should be darker than the needed final image.
Development is very easy, as all one has to do is slowly wash the print under running tap water for about 10 minutes. The highlights will be washed off by the blue stain, making the image lighten, and in some cases it may appear too light. The print is then hanged from a clothes line to dry, or set out on a nylon widow screen. The highlights should darken somewhat as it dries so as to pick up a little more detail, while the shadows lighten significantly, picking up more details too.
The Cyanotype making process while using Cyanotype supplies is a simple as explained above. Coming up with an ideal Cyanotype definitely takes time and more practice, hence failure to get a prefect image should not make one worry. All one should do is follow the steps accurately and use the right components.
The supplies can be purchased through the internet or in photo shops that sell equipment needed by analogue photographers. Several requirements have to be in place before the actual process of making a Cyanotype can begin. The most vital requirement is a sensitized solution, which either can be mixed by the photographer undertaking the process, or bought together with other supplies. The other material consists of the medium, in most process a smooth rag paper can do. Should this not be available, a piece of cloth or wood can be used.
A suitable negative is needed, which is about 35mm, not flat and having a full densities range. The last requirement is a contact print frame that can be gotten from a piece of glass or made from a photo frame. Additionally, a light source is required, in this case the sun. Since it is contact prints that are being made, the print will be the same size as the negative used.
To begin the process, opening of the image is done using any available post-production software. Should the negative not already be in black and white, conversion to color should be made with the use of any available method. Reversing the image is done as soon as a non-color image is gotten, and the contrast, levels and brightness have undergone suitable adjustment. The image is then printed on any film at the size required of the final image, using an inkjet printer.
The sensitized paper and the negative are exposed in direct sunlight. The amount of exposure will depend on the density of the negative, the paper used, the amount of sunlight together with other variables. During summertime, exposures should run between three and six minutes, while in winter it should take about 30 minutes.
In case the Cyanotype process is not utilizing the contact print frame, a part of the negatives edge can be glued to the paper, but caution should be taken to use only clear tape. Additionally, the materials should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The image should be darker than the needed final image.
Development is very easy, as all one has to do is slowly wash the print under running tap water for about 10 minutes. The highlights will be washed off by the blue stain, making the image lighten, and in some cases it may appear too light. The print is then hanged from a clothes line to dry, or set out on a nylon widow screen. The highlights should darken somewhat as it dries so as to pick up a little more detail, while the shadows lighten significantly, picking up more details too.
The Cyanotype making process while using Cyanotype supplies is a simple as explained above. Coming up with an ideal Cyanotype definitely takes time and more practice, hence failure to get a prefect image should not make one worry. All one should do is follow the steps accurately and use the right components.
About the Author:
Read more about How To Use Cyanotype Supplies In The Making Of Cyanotypes visiting our website.
No comments:
Post a Comment