Darkroom Practices: Experimental Cyanotypes - Nottingham Trent University

Description

Join an immersive and hands-on course where you will explore the captivating world of alternative photography techniques using cyanotypes; a photographic process that produces unique and striking blue-toned prints. Learn how to create cyanotypes using a variety of materials and experiment with alternative techniques to achieve stunning and unconventional results. This course is ideal for photography and darkroom enthusiasts, artists, and any creative image-makers interested in pushing the boundaries of the traditional image-making processes. Create unconventional images and discover innovative thinking within one of the early photographic print processes; you’ll underpin your experiments by diving into the history of cyanotypes and the theory behind them, before pushing the boundaries within your own creative direction. You’ll get a practical understanding of how to mix and prepare the chemicals needed to create and develop the cyanotypes, exploring the diverse possibilities of manipulating the image with experimental techniques, including multiple exposures, toning, incorporating textures and patterns and hand colouring. With ample opportunities for hands-on practice, you’ll have access to a fully equipped darkroom and receive guidance on proper darkroom procedures and how the techniques can be made accessible without the need of technical equipment, so you can continue to practice after the course. Making a small concertina book of cyanotypes, you’ll gather your vibrant samples and experiments into a portfolio that captures your creative outputs. During this course, you will: • learn the history of cyanotypes and how to create images using this technique • mix and prepare the chemicals needed to create cyanotypes • coat paper with the cyanotype solution and expose the paper to light • develop and tone final images using various techniques • explore creative possibilities of cyanotypes and experiment with textures and patterns • create unique images using the cyanotype process. By the end of this course, you will have a solid understanding of the cyanotype process and the ability to create unique images using this alternative photographic process. You’ll leave with a small concertina book of experimental cyanotypes that demonstrate alternative photographic print methods. You will have experienced the darkroom in a safe environment and gained knowledge and skills to continue outside of the course. Tutor profile: Laura Allen is a photographer and Technical Specialist in photography at Nottingham Trent University. With over twenty years of experience in photography and education, Laura is also qualified at Master’s level and a keen darkroom user, having exhibited in the UK, France and Italy. Laura combines digital technologies with traditional darkroom practices and has a firm belief that the two practices can intertwine and complement each other. Laura’s research includes many of the older origins in photography, such as cyanotypes, salt printing and traditional black and white handprints, using film cameras to make photographic work in the studio or location. Laura is currently working on a series of landscapes in and around Pembrokeshire.

What's included in the price?

This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus. Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course. You will also need to bring with you: • a notebook, pen and phone camera for recording the processes • any source images you’d like to use during the course • a USB stick to save all your files and work. On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Nottingham Trent University

with Craft Courses since 2015

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