Cyanotype: The Blueprint in Contemporary Practice

by Christina Z. Anderson

The Blueprint in Contemporary Practice is a two part book on the much admired blue print process. Part One is a comprehensive how-to on the cyanotype process for both beginner and advanced practitioners, with lots of photographs and clear, step-by-step directions and formulas. Part Two highlights contemporary artists who are using cyanotype, making work that ranges from the photographic to the abstract, from the traditional to the conceptual, with tips on their personal cyanotype methods alongside their work. These artists illustrate cyanotype’s widespread use in contemporary photography today, probably the most of any alternative process. Book features Cyanotype is backed with research from 120 books, journals, and magazine articles from 1843 to the present day. It is richly illustrated with 400 photographs from close to 80 artists from 14 countries. It is a guide for the practitioner, from novice to expert, providing inspiration and proof of cyanotype’s original and increasing place in historical and contemporary photography.

Genres: Photography, Art, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

Published February 4, 2019

Reviews

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have recently fallen into obsession with cyanotype. Naturally, I had to buy this book.

If you’re interested in cyanotype this book had a lot of detail about the chemistry behind the process, and what seems like a very thorough exploration of typical paper and toning options. The last quarter or so of the book is contributions from various artists using cyanotype today. Some talk about their process, others about their inspiration, and all have examples of their work.

I have two complains about the book - one regional, one I guess artistic. The first is that of course there is no mention of where to source paper in Australia. I know we’re a small market; it just makes me a little sad to see Australia, and Asia!, ignored when talking about markets. The second complaint is that the how-to section focuses almost exclusively on cyanotype from negatives. As far as I know, the process started as photograms - using objects, not negatives. I would have really appreciated some discussion of how long paper might need to be exposed for if using objects rather than negatives, and maybe talking about object choice and so on. Since the process lends itself to this very well (and, well, it’s how I’m using it).

I think this is a very good book for those starting out using the process. Don’t know how established photographers would feel about it.

[Ultramarinedream · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a beginner I found this a really complete resource for getting started with making prints. I was pleasantly surprised with how detailed some of the artists featured in the last chapter described their processes, giving ideas and inspiration for artists to experiment with some of their techniques.

[Gordon Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful exploration of the cyanotype. While considered the simplest and safest photographic print process, its potentials are limitless. Excellent technical manual.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and helped so much with research for my degree

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource based on actual testing by the author. I love that she highlighted a bunch of different artists and their approaches to the art form.