Alternative Printing Processes

This class is an introduction to some of the earliest 19th century photographic processes, the Cyan-blue print, Lumen contact printing, and Anthotype contact printing.  As a bonus, we will shoot a roll of 120 mm BW film & process it.  These larger format negatives can be used with the Cyanotype printing process.
​The Cyanotype is a 170-year-old photographic printing process that produces prints in a distinctive dark greenish blue. The word cyan comes from Greek, meaning “dark blue substance.” The process was invented in 1842 by Sir John Herschel, a brilliant astronomer and scientist. A lumen print is a solar photogram – an image created on photographic paper, exposed by the sun. It was one of the first photographic processes developed by Fox Talbot in 19th century England. The anthotype is printed in the sun for a few days or several weeks. The anthotype print develops as the rays of the sun destroys the color of the pigment, bleaching the print. Each and every emulsion will need a different exposure time.  Some emulsions need only a few hours to change color, some a few weeks.
This workshop is suitable for everyone, especially beginners. You will learn how to compose objects, rip paper to size, mix the chemicals, make emulsion, coat paper, and expose using a UV light/Sunlight to make your own cyanotype photograms and more.  You will be instructed on how to create acetate digital-like negatives. You will learn how to create a beautiful set of blue prints, experiment with Lumen & Anthotype contact printing using objects & subjects of your choice. Your instructor has a vast selection of items that you can experiment with, or if you prefer, collect & bring along your own found objects such as items of nature, flowers, and leaves, beads and buttons, or lace. Almost anything can be used, so be resourceful and creative.
​Some paper will be provided. Sizes will vary as well as the class printing frames. For the advanced student, you may want to experiment with stencils, or make drawings on acetate or shoot a larger format camera for larger negatives. Cost includes some materials. You will also be asked to bring in some materials. A supply list will be provided prior to our first class.  Bring a notepad and pencil. Wear old clothes or bring an apron.
Note: Many of your exposures will be done outside of class and one session will be scheduled earlier in the day at an agreed-upon location with good light.
​Taught by Maria Ellen Huebner.