Sun Print Impressions of Leaves (Cyanotype Alternative)
A historical photographic process using potassium dichromate to create beautiful botanical prints. When exposed to sunlight, the chemical creates a dark brown background with light lemon-colored leaf impressions. This is a vintage alternative photography technique.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Potassium dichromate (bichromate of potash), powdered (Dark yellow crystals that must be powdered before use. CAUTION: This chemical is toxic and carcinogenic. Modern alternatives like cyanotype chemicals are safer.)
- 0.5 cup Water (Approximately a saucerful)
- 1 sheet Paper, suitable for printing (Watercolor paper or heavy drawing paper works best)
- 5 to 10 leaves Fresh leaves with interesting shapes (Choose leaves with distinct shapes and veining)
Instructions
- 1Take the dark yellow potassium dichromate crystals and grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or by crushing between two spoons. Wear gloves as this chemical is toxic.
- 2Dissolve the powdered potassium dichromate (1 teaspoon) in a saucerful of water (about 1/2 cup), stirring until completely dissolved. The solution will be yellow-orange in color.
- 3Pass the paper through the chemical solution, ensuring it is evenly coated on one side. You can use a brush to apply the solution if preferred, or dip the paper and let excess drip off. Work quickly as the paper should remain wet for the next step.
- 4While the paper is still wet, arrange your fresh leaves on the coated surface, pressing them lightly to ensure good contact. Position them in an attractive arrangement as their shapes will be preserved in the final print.
- 5Place the paper with leaves in direct, powerful sunlight. The sun must be shining brightly for this process to work. Leave undisturbed until the paper is completely dry. The exposed areas will darken to a brown tint while areas under the leaves remain protected.
- 6When the paper is perfectly dry, carefully remove the leaves. A perfect facsimile of each leaf will remain in a light lemon shade, while the rest of the paper will be a dark brown tint. The print is now complete.
