Cyanotype Secrets Part 1

Spilling the Cyanotype secrets because we don't gatekeep here <3

If you’re new here, Cyanotypes are an alternative photography technique, dating back to 1842. They are a camera-less technique that involves laying an object on paper coated with a solution of iron salts before exposing it to UV light. You then wash the print with water to fix it, which creates in stunning white and Prussian blue images.

I started experimenting with Cyanotypes a couple of years ago. I felt that they encompassed ideas of light and time at both a conceptual and visual level. I also loooved the deep cyan blue of the final print, so here are my tips for starting out.

Energies of Earth Series - Print 10 / Edition 1 of 1 by Ellen Barratt

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Here are some of my early tests and things I learnt

For my first tests, I went outside with my pre-coated cyanotype paper and some glass lenses. I quickly learnt that the paper started exposing before I could even get the paper down with the objects laid out the way I wanted.

• Top tip: use a black out bag to carry your coated cyanotype paper in. This will stop it developing until you’re ready.

My first ever Cyanotypes!

Don’t be too precious. Things will undoubtedly go wrong but you may find beauty in the lack of exposure, or the deep deep blue of the over-exposed. This ‘mis-prints’ will be perfect for toning tests or further manipulation another time.

Exposure times are things that vary massively and really affect the final print. I’ve found that over-exposing is less problematic than under-exposing. I’m suggesting this because if you under-expose the print, your beautiful image washes away in the fixing stage. But if you over-expose, you will probably loose some detail and will almost definitely loose mid-range detail in your image, but you’ll have something to show!

• Top tip: create an expose meter to measure the exposure time, something like the chart below.

Here is a paper comparison, the left will result in a granier, warmer toned print and the right, a cooler & deeper smooth print. Don’t settle, experiment for your perfect print!

Try experimenting with different papers. I’ve found that different papers absorb the cyanotype chemicals in different ways so this can create some really inspiring results.

• Top tip: choose a paper that will be able to withstand the washing stage of the cyanotype process. Cold press watercolour paper is a good place to start!

Do you create cyanotypes? Tell me about your cyanotype successes and failures👇🏻

Energies of Earth Series - Print 3 / Edition 1 of 1 by Ellen Barratt, 2024 —— This print is on heavy cartridge paper, exposed for only 7 minutes under a high UV

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment if you have any questions, and stay tuned for more! I’m just getting started :)

Ellen