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Really, I don’t really need a critique other than does this process appeal to you.
Other Information
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Image Description
This is a cyanotype image made from two digital images and composited into one image.
Technical Details
No details…just experimenting with digital imagery not generated by AI
Critique Template
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I LOVE IT!! Wonderful choice of subjects and composition, and it works especially well with the blue color. The pose and look of the owl is very suggestive of a story and the moon just fits somehow. My only complaint is that I love the brushstroke edges and would love to see a wider view that shows all of them.
Thanks, Diane. I’m really enjoying what I can get out of two simple chemicals and, occasionally, a composited negative. They brush marks all there but the limitations of my scanner only allowed what I’ve shown. I’m doing this same negative in three different iterations of toning, then both as a Salted Paper print and a Kallitype, also both of which I will do a single later gum application.
I didn’t think of the scanning step! Maybe try slightly smaller formats as those brush marks are just SO cool on this kind of print!! Or photograph the result?
Most of the cyanotype photos I have seen do not draw me as much as this one, the reason being this is a moonlit shot and the deep blue hues enhance the photo and prompt the second look. I wonder how printing this photo on yellow paper might enhance both the moon and to a lesser degree, the owl? Well done for thinking outside the box.
Thanks, Rob. I thought the same thing as per the yellow paper but came across an article on Gum printing and have decided to explore that avenue for a pale yellow on the owl, then a second layer darkening the yellow on the moon. Should be interesting.
Chris, I messed around in photoshop and came up with the attached. It is also a bit lighter than the original. I look forward to your framed version. @Chris_Calohan
In so much as your version is definitely brighter, doing that with the chemistry at hand, it’s not possible. I could selectively bleach parts of it a bit more, but it’s tedious and fraught with the danger of causing the paper to weaken and likely tear. Best to leave it alone and do another, this time developing in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar which will brighten the highlights considerably - well, hopefully anyway.
I missed seeing the earlier version until I saw it in the Related Topics. (Been busy lately and not paying as much attention here as I’d like to.) I think both versions are mesmerizing. This is definitely an interesting pursuit and I look forward to seeing more of the results!
