Cyanotype photography is a type of photography that uses a cyanotype process to create blueprints. The process is simple – the photographer lays a negative onto a piece of paper, covers it with a light-sensitive emulsion, and then exposes it to the sun.
The areas of the negative that are hit by the sun will turn a bright blue, while the areas that are blocked will remain white. Cyanotype photography has been used for centuries to create architectural blueprints and medical records. Today, it is used by artists and photographers to create beautiful pieces of art.
Also, Read: What Is Low Key Photography?
Important Tricks
- Choose a sunny day to do your photography. The best results will come from bright sunlight.
- Use a negative image to create your print. This will create a reverse image of the negative on your print.
- Use high-quality paper for your prints. You want to make sure that the paper is absorbent so that the ink will properly adhere to it.
Making of Cyanotype Print
To make a cyanotype print, you will need
- A camera or phone to take the photograph
- A negative or digital image of the photograph you want to print
- A flat surface like a glass or acrylic pane
- An inkjet printer
- Paper
- Water
- Salt
History
Cyanotype photography was used to reproduce drawings, plans, and sketches. The cyanotype process is very simple. A negative image is placed on top of a sheet of light-sensitive paper, and the paper is then exposed to sunlight. After exposure, the paper is developed in a solution of ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide.
It was the first photographic printing process and the one that replaced the daguerreotype in popularity. The process was invented in 1842 by Sir John Herschel.
Benefits
The benefits of cyanotype photography are numerous. First, cyanotype is an environmentally-friendly process. It requires no harsh chemicals or solvents, and the only waste product is water.
Second, cyanotype prints are incredibly durable. They can last for hundreds of years if they are properly cared for. Third, cyanotype is a relatively cheap process.
Nikon D7500
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For Cyanotype photography, Nikon D7500 is the best option. The Nikon D7500 is an advanced-level digital SLR camera that has been designed for enthusiasts and professional photographers.
It features a 20.9-megapixel CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 5 image processor, which enables it to capture high-resolution images and videos. The camera also offers a wide range of shooting modes and advanced controls, making it ideal for capturing challenging subjects.
The gadget also has an 8fps continuous shooting rate, a 3.2-inch touchscreen display, and a tilting rear LCD screen.
Conclusion
Cyanotype photography is a simple process. The photographer takes a picture of a subject, then exposes a sheet of paper to the negative image. The paper is then soaked in a solution of potassium ferricyanide and water, which turns the exposed areas blue. The paper is then dried and fixed with sodium thiosulfate.