Sunday, June 23, 2013

How To Make Cyanotypes With Cyanotype Supplies

By Lila Barry


The making of Cyanotypes can be fun and easy, as well as the perfect way for an apprentice photographer to stat exploring the various photographic processes. The chemicals used in the process are quite cheap and easy to handle, while most of the process can take place in any room that has normal lighting. The Cyanotype supplies needed can be bought at several places, including the presensitized paper to be used.

Such supplies can be found online or in photo shops catering to analogue photographers. To make a Cyanotype, several things are required. One is a sensitized solution that the person can mix themselves or available in a kit. The other is a medium, typically a smooth and entirely rag paper. However, a piece of wood or cloth can also be used.

A suitable negative is required, preferably one that is not flat, 35mm and with a whole densities range. A contact print frame is another vital necessity for the process, and can be gotten either from a piece of glass or a frame for photos. Of course a source of light is required, and for this process sunlight can be utilized.

At the start of the process, any post-production program that is available is utilized in opening the image. In case the image is not already in black and white, any available conversion means should be used to convert it. As soon as an image that is non-color has been achieved, suitable adjustments to brightness, contrast and levels is done and the reversal of the image takes place. Printing of this image is done on any suitable film with the use of an inkjet printer, to the size that the final image should have.

The negative and the sensitized paper are exposed to direct sunlight. The time amount that they are exposed depends on the type of paper used, the negatives density, how bright is the sunlight, as well as other variables. Exposures should run for up to six minutes during summer, and a maximum of 30 minutes during winter.

If a frame for contact prints is not being used, one edge of the negative can be taped to the paper with the use of clear tape. Caution should be taken to keep the exposure from direct sunlight. The image exposed should be darker than what the final image is needed to be.

Developing a Cyanotype is quite easy, since all that is needed is cleaning the print slowly for about ten minutes with running water. The highlights will be wiped off by blue stains, lightening up the image. Drying of the print is done through hanging it from a clothes line or setting it out on a nylon window screen.

Utilizing Cyanotype supplies to make Cyanotype is as simple as that. The process takes time and practice to do correctly, so one should not be worried if it does not turn out perfectly. All that matters is following the steps meticulously and using the right supplies.




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