Photography

This project was an absolute awesome way to teach children about photography. Cyanotypes are a good way to teach students how silver photography works. The best part about this art project is that it is fun and super simple!

Materials:
- Cyanotype photography kit
- Paper
- Overhead transperencies
- Leaves/sticks/flowers/bugs
- Water
- Black card stock paper

Procedure:


1. It would be best to pre-mix the chemicals for the cyanotypes. This is really easy if you just buy a kit with all of the ingredients.

2. Paint this chemical onto sheets of thick paper, and put in a black bag (the sun develops it). The chemical should look bright yellow (green means it's developed).

3. Have students go find different items in nature.

4. When they get back, MAKE SURE THE LIGHTS ARE OFF and the blinds are shut in order to ensure the photograph won't develop prematurely.

5. Place the items on your white paper, and cover with a black card sheet to hold the objects in place and to protect it from the sun. As soon as the white paper sees any light, it will start developing.

6. Once in the sun, put your project on a flat surface and remove the black card stock for about 45 seconds. Then, place the black card stock back on top and carry inside.

7. Once inside, you can remove the black card stock and all of the objects placed on top. Rinse it under cold water until all of the yellow tint is removed from the paper.

8. Dry with a paper towel, and you have your finished product!

You can also print a picture on an overhead transparency in negative, and follow the same steps!