Cyanotype Butterfly

Butterfly resting on the blooms common purple butterfly bush. Digitally edited to simulate the variable softness, low density and cyan hue of a cyanotype print.

For anyone interested in the cyanotype process, a simple solution of 25g ferric ammonium citrate, 10g of potassium ferricyanide, and 200ml of water will yield a workable solution for about thirty to forty 8x10 prints. In a subdued light or dim tungsten environment, mix mix each chemical with 100ml of water, then mix the two solutions together to get your working solution. Brush onto standard canvas, and let dry. Place your image negative (best with 4x5 or greater) against the dried canvas, place a plate of glass over the negative, and another under the canvas if possible, to create a sort of sandwich. Then, expose to the sun or other UV source. Exposure times vary immensely (minutes to hours) by the light source used, so it's best to experiment and try to use the same source consistently.

The cyanotype process was used by many engineers and architects throughout the 20th century to create cheap, high-quality prints of building schematics. The common blueprint gets its name from the cyan hue given by the cyanotype process. Cyanotype is also a common introductory process to alternative photographic processes as it costs next to nothing to produce and is quite easy to learn.

Canon EOS 350D, Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro, Acrylic Glaze (Mars Black) on printer paper (scanned for masked)