WHAT IS A
CYANOTYPE?

A cyanotype is a type of photographic print made by hand using a process that dates back to the 1800s. It’s one of the earliest photographic techniques, known for it’s rich Prussian blue tones, and it’s still used today because of the distinctive blue color and the hands-on nature of the process.

All of Paula’s cyanotypes start with her own photographs. Instead of printing them digitally, she translates those images into blue using this traditional method.

How Cyanotypes Are Made

To make a cyanotype, a light-sensitive solution is brushed onto cotton rag paper by hand. Once it dries, the paper is exposed to sunlight with a photographic negative placed directly on top. Wherever the light hits, the paper turns that deep Prussian blue.

After exposure, the print is rinsed in water, which stops the reaction and reveals the final image.

Because the paper is coated by hand and exposed to natural light, there are small differences every time. Brushstrokes show up. Edges aren’t perfectly uniform. Exposure varies slightly. That’s all part of the process and part of the beauty.

Why Each Cyanotype Is Unique

Even when two cyanotypes start from the same photograph, they’ll never be identical. Small changes in coating, exposure, and rinsing mean each print has its own character.

For that reason, cyanotypes aren’t mass-produced or printed on demand. Each one is made individually, and once it’s sold, that exact print won’t be repeated.

How Cyanotypes Feel in a Space

Cyanotypes tend to feel softer and more organic than digital prints. The paper texture is visible, the edges can be slightly irregular, and the blue has depth that changes with the light in a room. They have a gentle warmth, like something that’s always belonged.

Explore Available Cyanotypes
or
Browse the Cyanotype Archive to see past works.


If you have questions or are interested in something similar, feel free to reach out. Paula is always happy to work on something custom.

Other frequent questions…

  • Not at all. Cyanotypes are made on sturdy, museum-quality cotton rag paper and are fully archival. They’re created through a chemical reaction with UV light, so once they’re processed and dried, they’re as stable as any fine art print. They just look delicate because of their soft, organic edges.

  • With proper care cyanotypes stay rich and vibrant for decades. Framing behind UV-protective glass and keeping artwork out of direct, intense sunlight is the best way to preserve any piece of art.

  • Framing a cyanotype is like framing any other photograph or work on paper. They fit into standard frames or custom frames. Many people choose to float-mount their cyanotypes to highlight the natural, brushed edges, but they look great framed traditionally too.

  • The handmade nature of cyanotypes includes equipment and studio set-up that limits The good news is that I am working on it, and as soon as I find a printer I trust, I’ll be expanding the size options.

    Stay tuned! Bigger cyanotypes are definitely on my wish list too.

  • Yes! I love creating custom cyanotypes. While the sizes are currently limited, there’s still plenty of room to get creative. Want a favorite image turned into a diptych? Let’s make it happen. I’ve even taken a single photo and printed it as a twelve-panel polyptych to create a 24x40 statement piece. If you have an idea in mind, reach out and we’ll dream it up together.

  • Technically, no. Each cyanotype is truly one of a kind, so I can’t recreate the exact same piece once it’s sold. I can print the same photo again as a new cyanotype, but because everything is done by hand, it will always turn out a little different. If you missed one you loved, feel free to ask. I’m happy to talk about creating a new variation of that image.

  • Cyanotypes are ready to ship quickly if they’re already made. If I’m creating one to order, it may take a bit longer depending on weather and studio timing.

  • Cyanotypes will always have subtle variations because they’re made by hand and exposed in the sun. Those differences are part of what makes each one unique.

  • Yes, the brushed or feathered edges are intentional. They’re part of the cyanotype process and one of the reasons people love them. Every edge is shaped by hand, not by a machine.