What is a Cyanotype?

The Cyanotype was invented in 1842 by Sir John Herschel, an English scientist and astronomer.  However, cyanotypes gained a lot of recognition due to the British botanist, Anna Hatkins. Considered the first female photographer, Anna turned plants into art with the creation of the first-ever photo book Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions, which Atkins self-published in 1844.  

Created by using a light-sensitive solution made from ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide then exposed to ultraviolet light, typically from the sun or a lightbox, the treated areas turn a distinctive & stunning Prussian blue.  The image is then further developed by rinsing in water, therefore, fixing the print.