Alternative Processing

Alternative processing is another way to make prints other than simply printing them from your computer. The process I'm going to discuss is called "Cyanotypes". Cyanotypes are prints developed using a certain chemical that results in the color cyan!

There are two chemicals needed for this process:

• Ammonium iron(III) citrate
• Potassium ferricyanide

Both chemicals are available at your local photography store.

You'll also need transparencies.

First, you're going to print your image onto the transparency. Next, you'll need to mix the chemicals into two equal parts. So if you're going to use 5 oz. of Ammonium Iron Citrate, then you'll need to add 5 oz. of Potassium Ferricyanide. How much you want to add is determined by how many prints you'll be making and how much you're going to use.

Next, you'll coat the surface in which you are printing on (paper, fabric, etc.) with your mixture. Then, you'll put your transparency on top of the surface in which you just marinated with your mixture. Finally, you expose it to the sun!

The result should look something like this: