Cyanotypes: Learning new processes and why it can be difficult.
- Oct 10, 2022
- 3 min read
I’m sure many of you can relate to the excitement you feel when you first begin to learn a new skill, only to quickly give up on it a short way down the line because you don’t think you are any good at it. This is something I have struggled with since at least the beginning of my teens which is why I find it difficult to start new hobbies; I can often be reluctant to try anything new or stray from my comfort zone. However, this summer I decided to tackle this head on and experiment with an old printing process I was taught during my first year of University, Cyanotypes!
Cyanotype printing is the process by which you create a photographic print or photogram using sunlight (UV)! It is one of the safest printing methods, using the chemicals ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide; and only water to fix the print into place. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly photographic print processes, as the chemicals have a low toxicity compared to other photographic methods and as previously mentioned, you only need sunlight and water.
The Cyanotype was discovered and named by Sir John Herschel. Anna Atkins, an English botanist and photographer, was considered the first person to publish a book illustrated with photographic images using the Cyanotype. If you’re interested, you can view the images from that book here. Some sources believe she may have been the first woman to create a photograph, but it is unclear as to how true this is. Nevertheless, generations of women later and here I am sharing with you my first attempt at the process!
While I was on holiday in Cornwall, I had begun collecting flowers and foliage to dry and press ready to create photograms (this is where you place objects on the paper, expose them to light, and a print of the objects is left behind when lifted). I used the extremely small, and incredibly warm bathroom as my little darkroom and experimented with different papers, shapes and sizes. The room has to be pretty dark so you don’t expose the chemicals before they’re outside. Below are some of the good outcomes…
However, there were plenty of bad outcomes, including a print I ruined!
What I am trying to say is, whenever you start a new hobby or try to learn a new skill, don’t be afraid to get things wrong! This is still something I am learning to come to terms with myself, as a creative, as it can be incredibly hard not to feel disheartened when you’re not immediately good at something new. I am constantly reminding myself to trust the process and that practice eventually makes progress. So, if you need a sign to start that new hobby, go back to that painting you were doing, whatever it is, this is your sign! In a society that is constantly criticising our every move, remember it’s okay to be bad at something when you start out, in fact, it's okay to always be bad at it as long as you enjoy it! The important thing is that it doesn’t feel like a chore, but something fun or relaxing.
You can follow my creative journey on my photographic Instagram and creative Instagram. Alternatively, let me know if you would like a step-by-step guide to Cyanotypes in the future!
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