*NEW* Cyanotypes: Process, Experimentation, and Expression
Class - Photography | Available
Class Description
Discover the rich blue world of cyanotypes in this hands-on, two-week workshop exploring one of photography’s oldest and most accessible alternative processes. This class invites students to create striking prints using light, objects, and chemistry.
Students will begin with foundational cyanotype methods, working with botanicals and other objects to understand exposure, composition, and process. As the course progresses, participants will expand their practice through toning, layering, and developing a deeper and more expressive approach to image-making.
Through demonstrations, guided exercises, and creative exploration, students will leave with a small portfolio of unique prints and the confidence to continue working with cyanotypes independently.
What You’ll Learn
- Traditional cyanotype printing techniques
- Creating cyanotypes using found objects and botanicals
- Exposure control and test strip development
- Wet and dry process variations
- Toning methods for altering color and mood
- Double exposures and layered compositions
- Introduction to printing on fabric
Weekly Breakdown
Week 1: Foundations & First Prints
Students will be introduced to the cyanotype process through demonstrations and visual examples. Using botanicals and found objects—either brought from home or collected around Sawtooth—participants will create their first prints while learning proper coating, exposure, and development techniques. Emphasis will be placed on composition, test strips, and initial experimentation with both wet and dry approaches.
Week 2: Expansion & Creative Exploration
Building on foundational skills, students will explore more advanced techniques including toning, double exposures, and printing on fabric. Additional experimentation with wet and dry methods will encourage a more expressive and personalized approach. The session will conclude with time to refine prints and discuss results.
What to Bring
- Botanicals, small objects, or materials of interest
- Clothes suitable for art-making
- Notebook for ideas and notes
(All chemistry and materials provided unless otherwise noted.)
Outcome
Students will leave with a collection of cyanotype prints that demonstrate both technical understanding and creative exploration, along with the skills to continue working with the process on their own.
Chloe Plumb
Chloe Plumb has been experimenting in alternative photo art ever since she felt the need in 2016 to expand the types of fun she was having in the color and black-and-white darkrooms. As an ongoing Teacher's Assistant for the various film and alternative photography classes in New York's International Center of Photography, she both printed her own film photography and taught others to print. During her university years at UNC-Chapel Hill, she frequently taught groups of students how to use the darkroom, first serving 2 years as Darkroom Manager of the school's Photography Club, then as President. Currently she is focused on scanning and organizing her thousands of photograms so that others can finally see what she has gained so much fulfillment over the years in making!