CYANOTYPE WORKSHOP
AN EASY WAY TO ENTERIN THE WORLD OF THE ALTERNATIVE PRINTING TECHNIQUES
Cyanotype is the oldest photographic printing technique. It is among the safest in terms of materials used and for this reason it lends itself perfectly to workshops.
You can transfer the learned manual skills to other more complex alternative antique printing techniques.
THE FIRST STEP IN THE WORLD OF ANCIENT PRINTS
In 1842 Sir John Herschel developed what was the first photographic printing technique. A few years later Anna Atkins became the first woman photographer in history applying the technique of Cyanotype to her art.
Today, we can use this technique for our workshops considering its relative simplicity and safety.
THE CHEMISTRY
The chemistry used for cyanotype printing is non-toxic. It is in fact used, with due caution, also to introduce the little ones to the world of photography.
These are two iron salts, Potassium Ferricyanide and Iron Ammonium Citrate. Diluted and mixed in equal measure they produce a photosensitive emulsion to ultraviolet rays.
The sun was the only abundant source and in fact the first photographs were exposed to the direct light of our star.
WORKSHOP
I propose different types of workshops, from the demonstration to the two-day in-depth one.
It always starts from a photograph in digital format created with any device or camera. Cyanotype is generous and tolerates the lack of fine detail in the initial image quite well.
In the simplest Cyanotype workshops , we start by presenting the technique and apply it starting from a negative previously created by me.
In the more complex cyanotype masterclass (2 or more days), the key-topic of the creation of an internegative from any digital file is also addressed.
This step is crucial for the success of a cyanotype photo print. However, it is negligible if you want to apply this technique for creative uses such as Anna Atkins.

Cyanotype print with Traditional Formula – Trasimeno 2018
CYANOTYPE WORKSHOP
WHERE AND WHEN?
The dates, types and locations of the Cyanotype workshops will be indicated as and when suitable locations around Italy will be identified.
I am constantly looking for photographic circles, photography and non-photography schools or groups of enthusiasts who are interested in starting a training course in ancient print with alternative techniques.