Cyanotype Beyond Paper

A 2-Day Extensive Cyanotype Workshop

Discover one of photography's oldest printing processes and explore how it can move beyond the traditional sheet of paper. Over two days at the CPB Community Darkroom, participants will learn the fundamentals of Cyanotype while experimenting with paper, glass and fabric as photographic surfaces.

Beginning with the history and chemistry of Cyanotype, participants will learn how to prepare digital negatives, mix and coat their own chemistry, create prints by hand, and understand the complete exposure and development workflow. The workshop then expands beyond paper, introducing participants to Cyanotype on glass and fabric, alongside toning techniques, finishing methods and creative approaches to displaying completed works.

Designed for photographers, artists, designers, printmakers and curious beginners, this workshop encourages experimentation and hands-on making. Participants will create multiple Cyanotype prints throughout the workshop and leave with finished works on paper, glass and fabric.

No prior experience is required. To help you get the most out of the workshop, we ask each participant to submit three images before the workshop begins. These images will be converted into digital negatives and used throughout the workshop for printing on paper, glass and fabric. All materials, chemistry, paper, fabric, glass and equipment will be provided by the CPB Community Darkroom.

The workshop involves the careful handling of photographic chemistry (gloves will be provided). We welcome participants above the age of 12.

Workshop Schedule

Day 1: Cyanotype Foundations & Glass Preparation

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Introduction to Cyanotype

• History of the Cyanotype process

• Understanding chemistry, light and exposure

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cyanotype on Paper

• Mixing Cyanotype chemistry

• Coating paper by hand

• Creating and exposing prints

• Washing and developing Cyanotypes

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch Break

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Digital Negatives & Exposure Techniques

• Preparing digital negatives

• Contact printing workflow

• Understanding contrast and density

• Troubleshooting common issues

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Toning Cyanotypes

• Introduction to Cyanotype toning

• Exploring colour variations and creative possibilities

• Experimenting with alternative finishes

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Glass & Fabric Preparation

• Preparing and cleaning glass surfaces

• Mixing chemistry for glass coating

• Pouring and coating Cyanotype emulsion on glass

• Preparing coated glass plates for overnight drying

• Preparing and coating fabric for Cyanotype printing

• Allowing coated materials to dry overnight

Day 2: Cyanotype on Glass & Fabric

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cyanotype on Glass

• Working with pre-coated glass plates

• Exposure techniques

• Developing and washing glass Cyanotypes

• Finishing and preserving glass artworks

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch Break

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cyanotype on Fabric

• Printing on pre-coated fabric

• Exposure and development

• Washing and finishing fabric prints

• Achieving consistent results on textiles

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Finishing & Displaying Cyanotypes

• Finishing completed glass Cyanotypes

• Preparing fabric prints for display

• Exploring ways of presenting Cyanotypes beyond the wall

• Adapting Cyanotype prints for everyday spaces and objects

• Finishing and assembling completed works

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Review, Display & Discussion

• Presentation of completed works

• Group review and feedback

• Care and preservation of Cyanotype works

• Continuing your Cyanotype practice independently

What You Will Learn

• The fundamentals and history of Cyanotype

• Creating digital negatives for contact printing

• Mixing and coating Cyanotype chemistry

• Printing on paper, glass and fabric

• Cyanotype toning techniques

• Exposure, washing and finishing workflows

• Preparing Cyanotypes for display and presentation

What You Will Take Home

• One Cyanotype artwork on glass

• One Cyanotype print on fabric

• Multiple Cyanotype prints on paper

• Reference notes and workflow guides

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is designed for:

• Beginners interested in analogue photography

• Photographers exploring alternative printing methods

• Artists and designers looking for experimental image-making techniques

• Printmakers and fine art students

• Anyone interested in working with photographic processes by hand

Workshop Cost

₹6,000 per participant

Venue: CPB Foundation Lighthouse, Kottivakkam, Chennai.

Materials

All materials, chemistry, paper, fabric, glass and workshop equipment are included in the workshop fee.