USU Eastern photography class collaborates with Dave Hanson for Cyanotype workshop

The Art 2810 photo class recently participated in a Cyanotype workshop hosted by local photographer Dave Hanson, who specializes in historical processes.

“Cyanotypes are a great way to get out of the digital world and get a firsthand experience with photo history,” said photographer instructor Jason Huntzinger. “It is an almost magical experience to watch an image appear in the developing tray.”

Cyanotypes, which date back to the 1840’s, were originally used for architectural blueprints. A botanist named Anna Atkins used the process to create the first book to use photographic reproductions, British Algae: Cyanotype Reproductions 1843-53.

The process is the same today and relatively simple. It involves coating paper with a chemical compound and then placing an object or a negative on it. The paper is exposed to UV light or sunlight, and water is all that is needed to develop the image.