Cyanotype is arguably the easiest alternative process to learn- it can easily be done outside of a traditional lab space. It gets its name from the rich shades of blue it creates (which is why they were often referred to as blue prints). However, if blue isn’t the color you’re after, cyanotypes can be toned in various materials (teas, wine, onions, etc) to produce an entirely different range of colors: purples, tans, plums, and greens are common hues.
Salt printing is one of the oldest alternative processes, dating back to the 1830s— it was the first photographic printing process. Paper is either soaked in salt water or sized with a salt and gelatin mix (casein, carrageenan, arrowroot, or gelatin itself). It’s then dried and coated with silver nitrate. After exposure, the print goes through a series of baths. Through processing, a salt print can range anywhere from ruddy browns to cool grey lavenders. The process isn’t limited to paper, either— salt can be done on fabric, wood, and other materials that will take the sizing agent.
This workshop will cover basic digital negatives, so come prepared with a laptop and an image processing program (ideally Photoshop or Lightroom— something that will allow you to do basic edits and add a curve). Have plenty of images to choose from. Supplies will be covered under the class fee, but bring along some items from home (aprons, towels, hair dryers, plastic teaspoons, etc.).
By the end of the workshop, students should feel able to work on their own (both in creating digital negatives and prints). It will be a wonderful week of learning salt printing in the heart of Montana’s Swan Valley region.
About the Instructor
Megan Crawford is an alternative process photographer based in northwestern Montana, and the owner and editor in chief of Montana Woman Magazine. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Film & Photography from Montana State University in 2017. Her work has been exhibited nationally, and she has been featured in various publications. Crawford’s background in history and her interest in handmade photographs led her to pursue processes such as gum bichromate and salted paper. Her work often focuses on history and landscape: how they interact with modern and historical societies, how they interact with each other, and what they can represent in a contemporary photographic context. You can learn more about her work at meganlcrawford.com
Cyanotype & Salt Printing
with Megan Crawford
Workshop Fee:
(does not include food & lodging)
Save up to 25% off tuition with a combination of any 2 of the following discounts:
Early Bird Discount:
An early registration by the
TBA
qualifies for a 15% discount on your workshop tuition.
Back to Back Discount:
Register and attend two classes consecutively and receive a 10% discount off the second weeks tuition
Bring a Friend Discount 10% off available when you both sign up for the same workshop.
