Cyanotype Photogram Workshops

Photography without a camera

Angela Easterling has run Photogram Workshops at the Eden Project in Cornwall, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History museum in London. They are creative, informative and most of all fun.

The workshops are a simple introduction to the techniques of the early photographers. First a short look at the work of artists both past and present who have made photograms, followed by the practical session when images are created by participants. The age range of those who can take part is huge, anything from four to one hundred and four. No previous knowledge is necessary. At the end each “student” takes home a portfolio of pictures ready for framing and display.

A photogram is an image formed by placing the subject matter on sensitised paper and exposing it to a light source. In this case the sun. A print is immediately created; there is no camera involved and there are no negatives.

The cyanotype or blue print process is used in the workshops because it is safe and simple to use. The paper is sensitive to UV in sunlight so no enlargers are required. No chemicals are necessary as the prints are processed and fixed in water. No dark room is needed, just a space with curtains drawn. The only necessities are the sun to expose the images and water to wash them.

Plants make excellent subject matter and were widely used at the dawn of photography, but nearly everything can be employed. Full body prints are extremely successful.

The length of sessions depends upon the venue and the time available. Short “taster” sessions lasting about an hour are popular when there are large number of visitors. Longer, in depth classes where people can experiment and work towards a finished body of work have also been very successful.

An exhibition of work from a Cyanotype workshop with
Hammersmith and Fulham Adult Learning programme in 2005 can be seen at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. See Blueprint for living in Exhibitions

Workshops

West Dean College

Cambridge University Botanic Gardens

Victoria and Albert Museum

The Natural History Museum

Wakehurst Place

Eden Project

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

The Royal London Hospital

The Adult Learning Centre