Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that’s been around for about 170 years, known for its striking dark greenish-blue prints. The term “cyan” comes from the Greek word meaning “dark blue substance.” It works by mixing ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide, then exposing the coated material to UV light to form ferric ferrocyanide, better known as Prussian Blue.

“I have used this process in a variety of ways. For a straight cyanotype, objects or transparencies are placed on dried treated paper and exposed to the sun for 10-20 minutes. For “Wet Cyanotypes” I used local plants on treated paper that is wet and has various additives such as vinegar, turmeric, salt and soap bubbles. These are exposed to the sun for 4-12 hours and the image “cooks” with often surprising results. I love working in concert with the time of day, the intensity of the sun, the season, and the plant.” Beth Adler.