Why Cyanotype? Why a Portrait?

I began photographing people, at the age of 14, some 56 years ago.

Over my career as a photographer I’ve been drawn to portraits, more then any other subject. I look at people’s faces and bodies as a landscape of shapes.

In addition I’ve always been interested in alternative arts and processes, but never saw myself doing it as a part of my photography.

Of all the alternative processes cyanotype is simple and easy to learn and execute.

Cyanotypes are immediately recognizable by their vibrant Prussian blue (cyan) tones.

The cyanotype process was invented in 1842 and has existed nearly since the inception of photography itself.

I first began making cyanotypes and then toning them brown with sodium carbonate bleach before a tannic acid and water bath.

After the thrill of making blue and brown cyanotypes wore off I realized that if I were to claim the process I would have to depart from using the process as it was meant and develop my own techniques.

I have been using my pre-Covid portraits to create cyanotype art since March of 2020.

Now I’m offering to use a portrait, or good photo, you can choose the image, the process and the media, (paper or canvas) and size is negotiable.