Experimentation

Two versions of the same image here. The one on the right was the first attempt at this subject, which failed through not being given enough time under the UV light, and therefore quite pale. The version on the left is more what I had originally intended, but could be improved methinks. Rather than bin the failure (on the right) I thought I would use it to experiment with toning. Apparently one can use just about anything to tone cyanotypes, even red wine (what a waste), So I made up a pot of coffee, and when cold(ish) poured it into a tray and immersed the print in it for somewhere around 35-40mins. I guess the longer it stays in the bath the darker it will get - a matter for more experimentation methinks. I have to say that I am quite pleased with the result of the toning, it has turned a rather nothing print into something quite interesting, at least I think so.