Sun PrintingCyanotype Impressions

“The Pencil of Nature”

1. Photographic image made without a camera by placing objects directly onto the surface of a material such as photographic paper and then exposing it to light.

#1

It wasn’t until the MODERNIST MOVEMENTin the 20th Century that they became artwork!

So….you can lay objects on light sensitive paper & make a “copy”.

What is a Cyanotype Photo ?

• Paper is coated with an Iron Salt solution (potassium ferricyanide) and Ammonium Citrate

• An object is fixed on this paper (Surface Negative) under glass

Anna Atkins(1799-1871)

• First woman photographer.

• She became interested inMaking accurate drawingsof plant life, and usedPhotography and theCyanotype process as hertools.

Cyanotypes of British and Foreign Flower Plants and Ferns (1854)

2. Cyanotype also known as Blue Print3. Anna Atkins also called her work

Horse Tail

How does it work?4. When exposed to sun light a chemical reaction occurs.•The paper is washed and removes the exposed chemical area

• This results in a white image on a deep blue background

• This image is the “positive” or outline of the object used.

Let’s watch! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEBd1XyBe_o

But wait….we are making cyanotypes with photo negatives not just objects!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0ATpHCyYvU&nohtml5=False

Today’s Warm Up #7 – Positive & Negative Space

• 2 different Photos 1.Take 1 photo with more

positive space than negative.

2.Take 1 photo with more negative space than positive.

First, what is positive space?

• Positive = The occupied space. The actual object.

• Negative = The space surrounding the objects. The unoccupied space.

Understanding Positive vs. Negative Space

Does this photo have more negative or positive space?

NEGATIVE SPACE: The sky

POSITIVE SPACE: the light

That’s right, More NEGATIVE space!

Understanding Positive vs. Negative Space

Does this photo have more negative or positive space?

NEGATIVE SPACE: blank space in doorway

POSITIVE SPACE: the person, stairs, railings

That’s right, More Positive space!

SO TODAY…. Look for

• 1 Photo: More positive than negative space

• FILL the frame (one way)

AND…1 Photo• More negative than

positive• Not as much of object

• Post both to your website warm ups page.

• Label as #7 Positive & Negative Space.

Photo #1: Recreate a cyanotype photo with strong contrast and positive and negative space

• Look for a cyanotype photograph online which you would like to re-create using the sunprint paper.

• Analyze the original photo for composition and lighting and re-create the photo closely as you can.

• The picture should depict both of the ‘Opposites’

• - hot and cold• old and new• tall and short• big and small• weak and strong• happy and sad • ETC.

Photo #2: Opposites and Positive and Negative Space

More Opposite EXAMPLES

• Keep in mind that you will be creating a cyanotype from your photo!

• Rough & Smooth• (cheese & sponge)

More Opposites EXAMPLES

• Remember you are changing it to Grayscale to make the cyanotype.

Opposites Cont.

• We are using photoshop to create the negative on transparency paper…so you can overlay or experiment with “opposites”

Cyanotypes - Opposites