What is a Cyanotype?

So I realized that I had gone on and on about a process and that some people may have no clue what it is. So here you go:
A cyanotype print, unlike traditional photographs set in a light reactive silver, use a solution of iron compounds to create the image. Its the oxidation of these compounds during the exposure and washing process that create the blue image.
The cyanotype is also where the term "blue print" comes from. It is the process that was used to create the blueprint drawings before all this fancy technology we have today. Artists just took use of its light reactive properties and tweaked it for their uses.

BluePrints are a learning experience.

This is todays attempt.  I have found several issues that come with the types of material that you use.  I switched from the lower end cotton material that I first used to a looser weave fabric in hopes of better absorption of the material and less bleed.  Bad idea!  What happened was a complete separation of the chemicals through a wicking like process resulting in the second image below.  The higher quality material that I got after that failure resulted in a much better quality image but still has some bleed/wicking issues.  The first image is the result of my days work.  Not too bad but a little overexposed.  I had some significant issues with controlling the exposure times as a result of the changing sun.  There is a significant difference in exposure times between an overcast and sunny day as well as a 10am sun and noon time sun. The test strip that I did at 10am was vastly different than the results I was getting at 11am!
Secondly I had saved the leftover mixed solution and used in on some fabric today.  It acted fine to my eye.  It was only a couple days old but is nice to see that storage in a brown bottle will result in the leftovers not being wasted and able to be used a few days later.
Overall a great learning process for today.  Enjoy!

Cyanotypes

My first attempts at cyanotypes.  These are all trials to figure out the chemical process so I can apply it to a new conceptual idea for a series on human perception and nature.  Stay tuned for more as I figure all this out this.... hopefully without turning my kitchen blue in the process!

All images are copyright of Steven Lessick

Scattered Change

This is a series of images I shot a while back using a Holga camera.  They are all shot in a voyeuristic style while literally shooting between my legs as to not alert people to that I was taking pictures.  This was a staged set up in which I had one of my friends "dress up" as a homeless individual on the streets in order to examine the human interaction between him and the general public.  It was amazing to see the types of people pass by with ignorance and disgust.  Even when he "accidentally" knocked over his tray of change into the street, no one passing by even skipped a step.  The all just continued to walk by never even looking down, choosing to ignore his suffering.  No one even stopped to help.  Despite the mass amounts of people passing by pretending that him and the problem didn't exist in their little bubble of a world, there were a few generous and caring individuals who stopped and gave what they could to help.  This series is an investigation into the type of people and community we are.  Sadly it shows that we like to believe that these types of issues don't exist and we choose to ignore them.  Next time you see a person down on their luck, stop, help however you can.  Even if its just a kind conversation to lift his or her spirits.  All the money collected that day was given to other needy individuals in the area. 

All images are copyright Steven Lessick 2011

Look Up!

Just a quick blog this week.  A series of images I did for a client that I really enjoy.  These are images of buildings "looking up".  We all tend to get very caught up in our lives and forget to enjoy the beautiful things around us.  Take some time this week to stop looking at your phone, checking out what your latest emails and texts say or whatever else we all tend to spend time staring at our phones for; instead look up and enjoy the beautiful things around you.  Be it the people you pass on the street or that building you pass every day and never notice that really cool architecture it has. 

All images copyright Steven Lessick 2010

Human Fire

"Human Fire" is a body of work that I have developed for the Caton Merchant Gallery in Manassas, VA that focuses on the human side of firefighting.  The show has transformed and developed over the last 8 months into a magnificent body of work that focuses on the family life of the fire and rescue personnel that keep us all safe every day.  The images in the series capture the trials and tribulations brought into the family body by the type of work these people perform; from long hours away leaving their spouse or significant other to deal with the daily running of the household, to the strain that comes from a blue collared job that doesn't always pay the bills and allow families to enjoy the type of lifestyle they had once wished for.  Children are always affected by this style of work and are represented rightfully as part of the images in the series.  The show works through a juxtaposition of wanting what one cant have, but once obtaining these dreams wanting what you once had but are not willing to give up.  Wishing for the high life of money, possessions, free time, and more but always wanting the chaos, fight and struggle that comes with the line of work that all these individuals love doing.

Below are two images from the show for you to all enjoy.  The reception for the show is on February 12th 6-8p.  I hope to see everyone there to enjoy these images and in doing so show support for the men and women that do this difficult job every day.

Red Diamonds

A Series of images I took in Bo, Sierra Leone that outline the ongoing results of the devastating civil war in which tens of thousands died and more than 2 million people (well over one-third of the population) were displaced because of the 11-year conflict. This series shows the human rehabilitation effort outlining the need for artificial limbs for those who succumbed to the "your future is in your hands" campaign in which the rebels removed the limbs of the population so they could not vote for the government during elections.  Legs were also amputated by the rebel force so that the general population could not fight back. These images show the creation of these limbs "by hand" in a center at Mercy Hospital and a government sponsored village for those who were effected by the devastating campaign.

(all images are copyright Steven Lessick 2010) Please obtain permission for reproduction by contacting at contact@stevenlessick.com