Make a Cyanotype from Any Photo

Printing Cyanotypes has been around for over 100 years and continues to be experimented with my many artists. It was used primarily as a means to print blueprints but artists like Anna Atkins, Christian Marclay, Marco Breuer, and Kate Cordsen have used the medium to create phenomenal works.
In this video I show you some of the experimental ways I use cyanotypes, as well provide tips and tricks to getting the best results for yourself.
If you are interested in learning more about the cyanotype process check out my other videos on the topic and feel free to leave any questions in the comment section below.
Links for Products Used:
Jaquard Cyanotype Solution: www.jacquardproducts.com/cyan...
Amazon: www.amazon.ca/Jacquard-Produc...
Watercolor Paper: www.amazon.ca/Art1st-Watercol...
Foam Brush: www.amazon.ca/dp/B07G7922PG/r...
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:11 Requirements
1:54 Good Photos for Cyanotypes
2:57 Requirements Cont'd
3:23 "Found Objects"
3:51 Preparing Solution
4:47 Applying Solution
6:21 Preparing Negative in Photoshop
7:58 Using Grow Lights
8:30 Printing with Negative

[@mattmarks2526]

Try pretreating the paper you're using. Most paper today is "archive", "buffered" or "acid free". The process is sensitive to alkali. You may get better results - deeper blues and more detail in the mid tones and highlights by acidifying the paper first. I usually let the paper soak in white vinegar or a six percent solution of Sulfamic acid (NOT sulfuric!) - its the only ingredient in Aquamix tile and grout cleaner and is available at hardware stores. I'll let it soak until it stops fizzing, then rinse it and let try before sensitizing it, The difference is remarkable.

[@br0ckloeven]

Hey Matt, thanks for the feedback. I’ve never heard of this and I’ve been following a few cyanotype online communities for a while. I’ll be sure to try it in the next batch

[@mattmarks2526]

@@br0ckloeven Let me know how they come out. Back in 1842, no one really thought about paper, It was just plant fibers broken down with acid, pressed and dried, I guess that's why historic documents are brown and falling apart now. It wasn't till (I think) the late 1970s or early 1980s that they started buffering paper. To make it worse, there is no standard for what constitutes "archival", "acid free" and "buffered" - I just consider them all as alkaline - the buffering agent is usually calcium or sodium carbonate. Some people will add vinegar or citric acid (even mineral acid like hydrochloric!) to the emulsion, but I think that dilutes it too much. Others acidify the wash, which I don't think is that effective since the image is formed during exposure, and then others (like me) will pre-treat the paper. I think that's the most effective since all of the alkali is removed instead if just on the surface. There are also some papermills, mainly in Europe, that still manufacture non-buffered heavy weight paper specifically for cyanotypes, but its pretty expensive, and of course shipping time and cost is an issue.

[@solreategui418]

How long do you soak in white vinegar for?

[@taylorroy4770]

Finally! I’ve been looking for a video that actually shows examples of different photos to use with examples. Thank you!!!!

[@br0ckloeven]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pussyri0t741]

What a helpful video! Thank u

[@thomas_dries]

Thanks for all the helpful advice! That outro guitar solo was INSANE! Where did you find that?

[@ThorirLenvik]

Measurement equipment for liquids or solids, and the pure chemicals are easy to get from laboratory equipment vendors.

[@nosferatchew]

Nice insight into the process! Also wondering would you be able to tell me what the type of folder you keep your transparency paper is? looks perfect for print storage

[@cacausilva-designer]

I fallen in love

[@jeanettenevarez3203]

you can try "burning" the areas that need longer exposure time with the sun, (like dodging and burning in photoshop) , akinn to an enlarger exposing an image.

[@itzelberenicenava3244]

what transparency paper are you using? Could you please provide a link? Thank you!

[@br0ckloeven]

I recommend if you use Amazon, search for "Transparency Film Acetate" and you will see lots of options. Make sure the one you choose is suitable for your printer. The ones that I am using are from a secondhand store so there is unfortunately no link to access them

[@user-pn4fn6yz5f]

Could you use pre made cyanotype paper instead of making your own?

[@iamtheglass3744]

🪄🧪✨💨

[@melody3741]

Motel border is off center

[@wkbbrat]

Dude, really ? 🤷🏽‍♂️