EP 134 - Mini episode: how to make a cyanotype
Welcome back to the podcast.
Today's episode is a little different because we're talking about something that has absolutely nothing to do with weddings, client experience, Instagram strategy, or scaling your business.
We're talking about cyanotypes.
Honestly, I think I've spent the last few years building businesses, growing communities, speaking at conferences, photographing weddings, running Summer School, raising a toddler, buying a house... and somewhere in all of that I forgot how important it is to make things just for fun.
Lately I've been completely obsessed with cyanotypes, and I think it might be the most creatively excited I've felt in a long time.
If you've never heard of them before, cyanotypes are basically sun prints. The process dates back to the 1800s and uses UV light to create those beautiful deep blue prints you've probably seen floating around Pinterest.
And before anyone comes at me, I am not a cyanotype expert. I've been doing this for all of five minutes. But I've learned enough over the last few weeks that I thought it would be fun to share what I've figured out so far.
This whole thing has also sparked a new project I'm calling Solar Studios.
Some of you might remember that before photography was my full-time job, I funded my first camera by reselling vintage clothing. In a weird way, Solar Studios feels like a full-circle moment. It's vintage clothing, cyanotype printing, handmade pieces, art projects, and honestly whatever else I decide sounds fun.
No business plan. No growth strategy. Just making cool stuff.
So if you want to try cyanotypes yourself, here's the simplest breakdown:
You'll need:
* Cyanotype chemicals (I've been using Jacquard)
* Watercolor paper, fabric, or clothing
* Cheap paint brushes
* Painter's tape
* Hydrogen peroxide
* Sunshine
You'll mix the chemicals, coat your surface, let it dry somewhere dark, and then place objects on top. Flowers, leaves, lace, negatives, literally whatever you want to experiment with.
Then you put it out in the sun.
Depending on how bright it is outside, it usually takes somewhere between 8–20 minutes.
After that, rinse it in water and give it a quick hydrogen peroxide bath if you want that rich blue color to show up immediately.
That's it.
The reason I love it so much is because it feels accessible. You don't need expensive equipment. You don't need to be a photographer. You can do it with your kids, with friends, at a workshop, or completely by yourself on a random Tuesday afternoon.
I've been making postcards, prints, tote bags, and experimenting with clothing. Eventually I'd love to host workshops and maybe even have people create their own pieces in person.
We'll see where it goes.
For now, Solar Studios is really just a reminder that creativity doesn't always have to become your next career move. Sometimes it's enough to make something because it sounds fun.
Thanks for hanging out with me this week. If you end up trying cyanotypes, tag me because I would genuinely love to see what you make.
See you in the next episode.
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