Cyanotype
is a photographic printing process that gives a cyan-blue
print. The process was popular in engineering circles well into the 20th century. The
simple and low-cost process enabled them to produce large-scale copies of their work,
referred to as blueprints. Here are some examples:
When it comes to recreating this effect digitally, it is important to remember that the darker areas
would end up most blueish, while lighter areas would be less well-colored. Although the brightest
areas would never appear white. Since a “true” cyanotype print would be on heavey paper “texture” is
something we need to also expect to see.
You will need to take a photo of your choice. It can be a building, person, animal, etc...
As WELL as a photo of a texture.
2 photos in total.
My 2 photos.
1. Photo of abandoned beach house, Rocky Point, Warwick, RI
2. Photo of Watercolor paper.
1. Open photo in Photoshop.
Go to Image > Adjustments > Desaturate.
2. Next we need to create the cyan color for print.
Create a NEW LAYER above the b/w layer.
Go to Layer> New Fill Layer> Solid Color
Click OK and the color picker window will pop up.
As a good starting point enter these numbers into the RGB boxes at the bottom left of window.
Click OK when done, you will not see your picture yet, but you will soon.
3. Change the blending mode on your fill layer to OVERLAY.
If you feel that your blue is too strong, adjust the opacity of the
layer.
Opacity
4. Finally move your picture of your texture into the cyanotype image. Place it in the position you want,
resizing it if needed. Change the blending mode of the layer. I chose DARKEN and adjusted the opacity
slightly.
Here is your final result, a Cyanotype print done digitally.
Save as a .jpg and drop it into the drop off folder.
Name it with your first name and Cyanotype