Cyanotypes

The cyanotype was originally created to reproduce mathematical tables as well as blueprints. It was first invented in 1842 by John Frederick William Herschel. 

Some big contributors to the invention of cyanotypes are John Frederick William Herschel, Frederick K. Coulson, and Anna Atkins collaborated with Anne Dixon later on.

John Frederick William Herschel did not use a specific camera or supplies to make cyanotypes, and instead used a camera obscura and a light-sensitive solution to create his images. The solution that he used was a solution of ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide, then applied it to paper to create a light-sensitive surface. After this was done it was exposed to sunlight or another UV light source using a negative image or object to create a blue and white image.

Anna Atkins used a camera to create negatives and a solution of ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide to create the light-sensitive surface for her cyanotypes.

Cyanotype is a way to create blue prints using special chemicals that are sensitive to light. To make a cyanotype, you need to mix these chemicals with water, and then apply the mixture onto a surface like paper or fabric. After it dries, you place a negative image (like a black and white photograph) on top of the surface and expose it to sunlight or another UV light. This creates a blue and white image. After rinsing the surface in water to remove any unexposed chemicals, you fix the print with a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide or vinegar, and then let it dry