lundi 24 juin 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.

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.

An appropriate negative of about 35mm which is not flat and possessing a full range of densities is needed. A frame for contact prints is the last requirement, which can be made from a photo frame or a piece of glass. In addition, a source of light is needed, and in this process the sun would be just fine. As what are being made are contact prints, each of the prints will be similar in size to the negative used.

To begin the process, opening of the image is done using any available post-production software. Should the negative not already be in black and white, conversion to color should be made with the use of any available method. Reversing the image is done as soon as a non-color image is gotten, and the contrast, levels and brightness have undergone suitable adjustment. The image is then printed on any film at the size required of the final image, using an inkjet printer.

The sensitized paper and the negative are exposed in direct sunlight. The amount of exposure will depend on the density of the negative, the paper used, the amount of sunlight together with other variables. During summertime, exposures should run between three and six minutes, while in winter it should take about 30 minutes.

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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