In the 1970’s I discovered the amazing world of alternative photographic processes. After a decades long hiatus because of lack of workspace I have returned to the unpredictable world of cyanotype and Van Dyke. I use both direct contact and digitally created negatives from my own photographs or occasionally a vintage photo I have discovered.
Cyanotype
Cyanotype produces a blue image that can be modified with toning techniques. The pioneer of this kind of work was Anna Atkins. In 1854 collaborating with her friend Anne Dixon they produced the album Cyanotypes of British and Foreign Flowering Plants and Ferns. Atkin’s project was the first demonstration that photography could be both scientifically useful and aesthetically pleasing. And it was the first published book of photographs.
Van Dyke
The Van Dyke process is a bit more chemical intensive and trickier than cyanotype. Typically it produces a brown tone with varies with exposure, paper and toning.
Susan Chainey Photo 