Cyanotype

Cyanotype is a single solution, updated version of the original 'blue print' process. Using Ammonium Ferric Oxalate to give a good blue that does not wash out, this solution is twice as sensitive to UV as the traditional version. Development in water and citric acid can be used to manipulate contrast. Images are produced by a contact negative of the appropriate size. The Kit comes complete with EVERYTHING needed to make Cyanotypes. The kit contains: 5 sheets 8x10in Fabriano5 HP paper, 5 sheets 8x10in Digital contact film (to make contact negative), 2ml syringe, 50ml bottle of Cyanotype sensitiser, 2 coating rods - one 4in, one 7 in, 100gms of Citric Acid, protective gloves and full detailed instructions for use. Component parts available separately.

Argyrotype

Argyrotype takes the photographer back to first principals - using a silver based sensitising solution which is coated onto a quality art paper. Exposure is by natural sunlight which even on a cloudy day creates the best exposures. Development in water and fixation by a simple hypo solution. Argyrotype prints are a rich brown and warm toned giving good contrast and midtone definition. Being silver based they can then be toned and dyed as they would have been in the early days. All images are made by the contact system, where the image depends on a negative of the appropriate size. The Kit comes with EVERYTHING needed to make Argyrotypes (except a UV source!). Contains: 5 sheets 8x10in Fabriano5 HP paper, 5 sheets 8x10in Digital contact film, 2ml syringe 50ml bottle of Argyrotype sensitiser, 2 coating rods - one 4in, one 7 in, 140gms of Hypo Crystals, protective gloves and full detailed instructions for use.

Salt Printing

Devised originally by the father of photogarphy, Henry Fox-Talbot, salt prints are created by soaking acid free art paper in a salt solution which is then coated with an activated silver solution. Once dried, a contact negative is secured in place and atmospheric UV (which even on a cloudy day is quite suitable) is used for exposure. Development is in water and 'fixation' is by a choice of 3 stabilisers (supplied) each of which will produce a slightly different image tone. The Kit contains: 5 sheets 8x10in Canelleto paper, 5 sheets 8x10in digital contact film, 2ml syringe 250ml solution each of: Salt - Silver & Stabilisers 1,2&3, protective gloves, buckle brush and full detailed instructions for use. Ammonia is required to activate the silver solution and is not supplied. This is available from most pharmacies.

Gum Bi-Chromate

Gum Bichromate is a contact process which allows layers of colours to be laid down on the image to produce pigmented pictures of unequalled depth. As the layers of colour are coming from watercolour inks the image creativity is limited only by the paint palette. This process requires some patience and attention to detail but the resulting images are both unique and of exceptional quality. Kit contains 5 sheets of 8x10'' Canellto fine are acid free paper, 5 sheets 8x10'' digital contact film (to make contact negative) 250mls each of sizing, sensitising & clearing solutions. 3 tubes of high quality branded water colour paints (additional colours available from any art shop) + protective gloves and full instructions. Additional items required are a water proof coating board to attach the image paper and gummed tape to secure.

Alternative Process Sundries

Acrylic coating rods - Ideal for smooth coating of sensitising solutions and any other liquids Contact Frames - With hinged backs. Keeps contact images secure whilst checking exposure Protective gloves - disposable, medium size latex gloves in packs 100 Component parts of all Alternative Process Kits - If you can't see it listed or if you would like alternative pack sizes or quantities then please e-mail to jan@fotospeed.com