Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Young Content Creator Volunteer Alex Cooper-Parkes demonstrates the fascinating cyanotype process, one of the oldest forms of photography. Using UV light, specially coated paper, and natural materials, stunning blue-and-white prints emerge through a simple but magical process.
From mixing the chemicals and preparing the paper to exposing it in sunlight and revealing the final image, this short shows how easy it is to create your own cyanotype artwork at home.
A cyanotype is a photographic printing process, without the use of a camera. Using a form of uv light to expose materials directly onto the paper.
Equipment list:
• 2-part cyanotype chemicals
• Watercolour paper
• Brush/sponge
• Mixing containers
• Measuring tools
• Transparent sheet
• Objects you want to print
• Cloths pegs
• Wash station (e.g. sink)
• Drying station (e.g. clothes line)
Step by step:
1. Move equipment to a dark room/area.
2. Mix equal parts of the chemicals together – making sure it’s enough to cover your piece of paper.
3. Using a sponge or brush, layer the chemicals onto the paper making sure it’s evenly distributed.
4. Leave to dry for 20-30 minutes.
5. Place materials you want to use onto the paper.
6. Once finished place the transparent sheet directly on top and connect it using the cloths pegs.
7. Place the print outside in a sunny area.
8. Leave to expose for approximately 15 minutes.
9. Wash paper at the wash station until the print has a blue hue, and all chemicals have been washed away.
10. Leave outside to dry.
Created by Alex Cooper-Parkes for the Woodland Trust 🌳
Young Content Creator Volunteer Alex Cooper-Parkes demonstrates the fascinating cyanotype process, one of the oldest forms of photography. Using UV light, specially coated paper, and natural materials, stunning blue-and-white prints emerge through a simple but magical process.
From mixing the chemicals and preparing the paper to exposing it in sunlight and revealing the final image, this short shows how easy it is to create your own cyanotype artwork at home.
A cyanotype is a photographic printing process, without the use of a camera. Using a form of uv light to expose materials directly onto the paper.
Equipment list:
• 2-part cyanotype chemicals
• Watercolour paper
• Brush/sponge
• Mixing containers
• Measuring tools
• Transparent sheet
• Objects you want to print
• Cloths pegs
• Wash station (e.g. sink)
• Drying station (e.g. clothes line)
Step by step:
1. Move equipment to a dark room/area.
2. Mix equal parts of the chemicals together – making sure it’s enough to cover your piece of paper.
3. Using a sponge or brush, layer the chemicals onto the paper making sure it’s evenly distributed.
4. Leave to dry for 20-30 minutes.
5. Place materials you want to use onto the paper.
6. Once finished place the transparent sheet directly on top and connect it using the cloths pegs.
7. Place the print outside in a sunny area.
8. Leave to expose for approximately 15 minutes.
9. Wash paper at the wash station until the print has a blue hue, and all chemicals have been washed away.
10. Leave outside to dry.
Created by Alex Cooper-Parkes for the Woodland Trust 🌳
