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