Cyanotype is an accessible, nontoxic photographic printing process first used in 1842. The word “cyan” comes from the Greek, meaning “dark blue substance.” Compared to other photographic printing processes, cyanotype is relatively easy, inexpensive and nontoxic. No darkroom is needed, instead it uses the power of the sun and iron salt; cyanotypes are often referred to as “sun prints.”

It’s Chemistry!
To make this light sensitive solution, mix powdered ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide separately with water, then mix these in equal parts to create the third light-sensitive emulsion solution. Paint this on the chosen substrate, usually paper or cloth, but any organic material will work, including teabags, a personal favorite of mine. Next, expose this to the sun for approximately five minutes, then submerge it in water to stop the exposure process. This process creates ferric ferrocyanide, a color also known as Prussian Blue!