Cyanotype and alternative processes in photography
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- Start Date: 21 Apr 2026End Date: 28 Apr 2026Tue (Daytime): 10:00 - 17:00In PersonFull fee £209.00 Senior fee £167.00 Concession £136.00
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What is the course about?
Photography doesn’t have to mean cameras – it literally translates as ‘drawing with light’. Get a taste for three hands-on cameraless techniques in a taster workshop using light and photographic darkroom chemistry (but not in a darkroom). These are experimental processes that focus on the process of making in an experimental and open-minded way. You will need to wear clothes you don’t mind getting permanently stained or bring an apron. Some processes involve photographic chemicals. Gloves will be provided where necessary.
What will we cover?
- Cyanotypes – a process dating back to the 1840s. Use objects and/or plants to create simple blue images. Expose to light using sunlight.
- Lumen Printing – This extremely simple photographic process uses traditional photographic paper, plants and sunlight to create images with subtle warm and creamy colours.
- Chemigrams – This is more like painting than photography. You will learn how to control light and dark tones on photographic paper, ‘painting’ with photographic chemicals. We will also be using an unusual mix of resists (oily or sticky substances) to affect how the chemicals can be applied to the surface. This is experimental and unpredictable!
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Have a basic understanding of alternative photographic processes
- Use light sensitive paper creatively to produce images
- Create a set of small handmade prints.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a beginners course, no previous experience is necessary. You will need to be able to work with your hands and be willing to experiment.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught using a range of techniques, short lectures and demonstrations, practical exercises, group and individual assistance.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please come wearing clothes you don’t mind getting stained. You may wish to bring a notebook and pen to make notes and a camera or cameraphone to photograph your lumen prints before we fix them (the colours change). Please bring a stiff envelope or box to take your prints home.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You could continue experimenting with cameraless photography on the Pinhole Photography class at City Lit.
Catriona Gray is a photographic artist and teacher from London. She has worked in photography for 26 years and has a breadth of experience from documentary and portrait photography, to fine art darkroom printing, analogue photography and alternative photographic processes. She has taught photography for over 10 years for various institutions including Westminster University, NHS hopsitals, healthcare and addiction recovery facilities, Darkroom London and Zoom In. She believes in learning through doing, and making lots of mistakes. Push yourself, try something different, flip things around, get uncomfortable.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.