Photography Walk
"Photographic Cyanotype Sun Prints"
Mary Louise Ravese, Bella Vista Photography
- Thursday, September 15, 2022 – 9:00 am–12:30 pm
Cyanotype is a simple photographic printing process that creates an archival blue and white print. The cyanotype process was invented in the 1840s and is easy and inexpensive to do at home.
In this intermediate class, participants will learn how to make cyanotype photographic prints.
Mary Louise will explain how to turn a digital image into a monochrome film negative. Then we'll use that negative to make direct contact prints on sensitized cotton fabric material which we will then expose to sunlight to develop the image. The developed print is then rinsed in a water bath and then left to dry. The final print will be a blue and white print.
The chemicals involved include ferric ammonium citrate, potassium ferricyanide, and hydrogen peroxide. They are safe to use, but care should always be taken to avoid ingestion, inhalation and contact with skin.
Items to Bring
Please bring the following items:
- Two trays or flat plastic container at least 3" deep and big enough to easily hold an 8.5" × 11" sheet with space all around
- Safety glasses
- Gloves (like for dishwashing)
- Digital camera (DSLR, mirrorless, point-n-shoot or smartphone)
- Laptop with a means for downloading images from the camera (e.g. card reader and cable)
- Several previously shot digital images to choose from for printing during class. Images can be saved on their computer, camera memory card, or on a USB flash drive. One image should be submitted to the instructor the week before the class.
- Notepaper and pencil/pen
- (Optional) USB flash drive for image transfer between computers
- (Optional) Photoshop software
About Mary Louise Ravese
Mary Louise Ravese specializes in fine art nature and travel photography from locations across the world. Her photographs are in private, university, and corporate collections in over 40 states and are exhibited nationally. She is the owner and principle photographer for Bella Vista Photography, and has a resident artist studio at 311 Gallery in Raleigh, North Carolina. Mary Louise is a regular speaker and competition judge for photography clubs in multiple states. She is an experienced photography instructor who has trained hundreds of amateur photographers. She enjoys teaching on a wide range of topics related to nature, travel, and creative photography, and can help with both the technical and aesthetic aspects of picture making. Mary Louise leads classes and workshops at a variety of locations across the United States and abroad. For more information visit her Web site at https://shop.bellavistaphotography.com.
- Age
- Suitable for ages 14+.
- Cost
- $80.00 members, $90.00 nonmembers (includes $25.00 materials (includes one frame and three film sheets and materials to create two 8.5" x 11" cotton fabric prints) fee).
- Registration
- Advance registration is required. Please register online using our registration e-store. Registration is limited to 12 participants and is considered complete when payment is received. Registration will close at the end of day on Tuesday, September 13, 2022.
- Cancellation
- Program cancellations can be made up to two weeks prior to the program's start date. No refunds will be made after this time. A 15% cancellation fee applies.
- Location
- JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.
- Directions
- Need directions? Click here.
- Parking
- Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.
- Questions
- Please write jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.