Get Ready For Your Cyanotype Workshop
YOUR WORKSHOP DATE
Saturday 25 October
TIME – 9:45am for a 10am start
Finishing around 4pm
LOCATION
This workshop is held my own private studio at:
10 Nadi Lane, North Maleny
5 minutes drive from the Maleny township. Scroll down the page to see the Google map.
PARKING*
CARPORT – Fits 2 cars.
SIDE PARKING AREA – Fits 3–4 cars; the first car should park snugly at the front to allow room for others.
OVERFLOW – If everything is full, you can park in the driveway, and we’ll shuffle cars if needed. Street parking is also available on the grass verge.
* If you have any specific access needs, please let me know in advance. I’m happy to reserve a carport space for you, and can place threshold ramps at the studio entrance if needed.
ON ARRIVAL
Head through the carport and into the studio. I’ll be inside, getting everything ready for our morning.
Please take a moment to read through the information on this page. It contains important information about your upcoming workshop.
If, after reading the information below, you still have questions before our time together, please call 0413 384 426 or email me.
GET READY…
Cyanotype is a wonderfully simple alternative photographic process that can yield both predictable and unpredictable results. We will rely on natural UV light, the day’s sunlight and weather will shape both our exposure times and the look of some of our prints.
During the workshop we will:
- Create photograms by placing found objects on pre-sensitised paper and exposing them to sunlight.
- Coat a few fresh sheets with cyanotype solution while we discuss how to mix the two base chemicals yourself. You will have a collection of pre-coated sheets to get you making as quickly as possible on the day.
- Experiment with single exposures, double exposures and the atmospheric “wet cyanotype” technique.
- Discussion about toning methods to shift the classic Prussian-blue palette.
You’ll receive detailed handouts covering:
- Recommended papers, fabrics and tools
- Chemical suppliers and safe-handling tips
- Step-by-step instructions so you can keep printing at home
By the end of the day, you will have the confidence to continue exploring cyanotype wherever the sun is shining (or not!).
SAFETY
Cyanotype is one of the gentlest photographic processes. The two chemicals we use are low-toxicity and, at workshop strengths, only mildly irritating if they contact skin. We’ll review safe handling at the start, and gloves will be available for anyone who’d like them. Full safety-data sheets will also be on hand for anyone who wants the details.
WEATHER
Cyanotype needs UV light, so we’ll rely on sunlight for our exposures.
- Ideal conditions: bright sun or light, patchy cloud.
- Summer: high UV → fast exposures (≈ 5–15 min).
- Winter: lower UV → slower exposures (≈ 15–30 min).
We’ll discuss how to adjust times for any season. You can still print on overcast or drizzly days – the exposures just take longer. Only prolonged heavy rain forces a change. If a wash-out looks likely, I’ll contact you ahead of time to reschedule or offer a refund.
BUYING CHEMICAL
Want to keep printing the moment you get home? I usually have a limited number of starter kits and brushes available for purchase on the day (subject to availability). There’s absolutely no obligation to buy – you will be leaving the workshop with handouts about where to buy chemicals from other suppliers.
- Sensitiser Kit (Part A + B) – 200ml – $30
- Sensitiser Kit (Part A + B) – 400ml – $45
- Hake brush – 20mm – $7
- Hake brush – 50mm – $9
WHAT TO BRING
Lunch, notebook, and pen.
Light-proof bag for spare sensitised paper. Any leftover sheets (all smaller than A3) must be kept from light on the trip home. Two dark-green garbage bags nested together work well, or tape an envelope from thick black builder’s plastic (available at hardware stores).
Curiosity and patience. Cyanotype involves a little waiting and a dash of unpredictability—both part of the magic.
Objects for photograms (optional). I’ll supply plenty, but feel free to bring flat items such as patterned feathers, interesting leaves, lace, grasses, keys, or fine chain. Personal treasures make wonderfully unique prints.
Transparency negatives/positives (optional). If you’d like to try image exposures, print your photographs onto transparency film and bring them along—I’ll also have a few on hand.
Hat and sunscreen. We’ll spend time in direct sun, with shade breaks on the verandah and in the studio.
Camera/phone. You’re welcome to photograph demonstrations and your progress for future reference.
LUNCH & SNACKS
Morning and afternoon tea: A light morning and afternoon tea (gluten-free) is provided during this workshop. As is tea and coffee throughout the day.
Lunch: Please bring your own. You can also pop into town to grab something, though parking can be difficult on weekends. There’s a fridge, microwave, and cutlery in the studio if you need them.
Examples of past student’s work and at work
I’ve added some photos of student’s work below to give you an idea of the sort of images you can achieve on your workshop day. Click here to see more photos of student’s work, and students at work, from this workshop.
