Cyanotype Toning: Using Botanicals to Tone Blueprints Naturally

by Annette Golaz

Cyanotype is the most accessible and frequently used of all the alternative photographic processes. When utilized properly, it has the potential to rival other processes when it comes to detail and tonal range, but its Prussian blue color isn’t always suitable for the final photograph. Throughout history, cyanotype prints have been toned not only with various―and at times hazardous―chemicals but also with more natural ingredients like tea and coffee. Since the cyanotype itself is non-toxic, Cyanotype Toning will champion an innovative process, developed by the author, of toning cyanotypes with natural material. This process, which is easy and reliable, offers a much broader range of possible colors and even beautiful black and whites. Even duotone or tricolor prints can be attained. The book consists of two parts. Part One is a step-by-step how-to section including all the information that a student at any level needs to achieve a successfully toned print. Easy-to-understand background information is provided on how and why the process works so that readers can venture on their own into the world of natural colors. The first part also has a detailed section on all the factors that can influence the outcome, like paper choice, water quality, properties of the plants, temperature of the bath and the duration of the toning. Part Two is devoted to contemporary artists who have explored toning with botanicals and integrated the process into their creative practice. The book includes: Using botanicals to tone cyanotypes broadens the color spectrum, enlarges creative possibilities and makes the cyanotype process even more versatile. The process is not cut and dried science but a limitless field for discovery and surprises. Cyanotype Toning provides accessible information and instructions for readers at all levels. It is comprehensive and explanatory, so that readers can expand on the subject on their own, as did the contemporary artists who share their experiences and the works they have created using this innovative toning process.

Genres: Photography

270 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2021

Reviews

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource! In my experiences toning with the directions in the book my outcomes were not exactly as described by the author. However, she does mention that your results may vary and testing is important. Even so, this book has given me a place to start and has opened me up to experimenting with botanicals I've never heard of.

[Gordon Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. This book is an introduction to the very complicated and beautiful chemistry and techniques of toning cyanotypes with various hot water extracts of plants, fungi and mosses, as well as various bleaching techniques using sodium carbonate or borax. Prints toned with green tea, following bleaching in sodium carbonate, result in beautiful shades of lilac, brown and grey tones replacing the blue. The author has a section of beautifully reproduced images by cyanotype artists from around the world. A detailed botanical chart with a section on the toning colors produced, along with discussions of the inherent variables of season, soil and climate in the phytochemistry make this book brilliant, with enough references for future research to make any botanist or darkroom worker happy.

While safe and suitable for children, the exploration of cyanotype techniques can be endless. The authors introduce us to two and three color toned cyanotypes, taking prints far beyond the simple Prussian blue that's demonstrated in art or photo classes. The details of cyanotype chemistry weren't understood until the first decade of the 21st century, and the complex interactions of iron chemistry with plant and fungal toners will no doubt continue to be explored by artists and scientists.