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