Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Using Cyanotype Supplies To Make Cyanotypes

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.

The supplies can be purchased through the internet or in photo shops that sell equipment needed by analogue photographers. Several requirements have to be in place before the actual process of making a Cyanotype can begin. The most vital requirement is a sensitized solution, which either can be mixed by the photographer undertaking the process, or bought together with other supplies. The other material consists of the medium, in most process a smooth rag paper can do. Should this not be available, a piece of cloth or wood can be used.

A suitable negative is needed, which is about 35mm, not flat and having a full densities range. The last requirement is a contact print frame that can be gotten from a piece of glass or made from a photo frame. Additionally, a light source is required, in this case the sun. Since it is contact prints that are being made, the print will be the same size as the negative used.

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.

Both the negative and the paper that has been sensitized are exposed to the source of light. The length of time of the exposure is determined by the type of paper used. The brightness of the sun at that particular area, how dense he negative is, and several other variables. In areas experiencing summer, exposure should be a maximum of 6 minutes while wintertime call for about 30 minutes of exposure.

In case the Cyanotype process is not utilizing the contact print frame, a part of the negatives edge can be glued to the paper, but caution should be taken to use only clear tape. Additionally, the materials should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The image should be darker than the needed final image.

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.

The Cyanotype making process while using Cyanotype supplies is a simple as explained above. Coming up with an ideal Cyanotype definitely takes time and more practice, hence failure to get a prefect image should not make one worry. All one should do is follow the steps accurately and use the right components.




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