Exploring the Cyanotype
PH-Workshop | Registration opens Monday, June 29, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
*** This is a 2-day workshop * Fri. Sept. 25 | 6 - 8pm & Sat. Sept. 26 | 1:30 - 6pm ***
Explore the fascinating cyanotype process. Learn the historical and artistic process pioneered by Sir John Herschel in 1842. The cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces stunning blue prints using basic chemicals and sunlight.
Work through every stage of the process to create unique cyanotype prints — from mixing and coating the sensitizer, exposing prints in UV light, processing and finishing the final print. Emphasis on hands-on experimentation, giving each participant the foundation to continue making cyanotypes independently.
Special Note: Optional but recommended: participants will be encouraged to submit examples of work made during the workshop to alternativephotography.com for World Cyanotype Day 2026.
Most materials provided.
Students must bring 2 - 3 ready to print images in jpg, tiff, or psd format. Ready to print means all desired post production corrections or enhancements have been done to the image prior to the workshop. The images will be converted to a negative, correction curves applied and printed. There will not be enough time during the workshop to do any other post production processing.
Jon Manchester
A photographer and photo educator originally from Colorado, Jon P. Manchester brings 30 years of traditional and digital photography experience to the Crealde School of Art. He was first introduced to photography at age 7 when his parents provided him with a Kodak Instamatic and the liberty to make photographs during sightseeing trips throughout Europe. While wandering various countries armed with his Instamatic, he felt like a great explorer about to uncover something new. A decade later, his passion for photography really took hold when introduced to the darkroom, and he learned the technical side of the photographic medium. After becoming proficient with the photographic process, he discovered that he could express his vision and ideas through photography. His understanding of fine art photography, technical image processing and post-processing has made him a valuable student resource. Manchester was influenced by his mentor, Rick Lang, the late Director of Photography at Crealde. He says he greatly admired the way Lang related to his students, opening a collaboration of knowledge and learning as much from them as they learned from him. A long-time faculty member at Crealde, Manchester has received several awards and has exhibited his work in various juried and invitational exhibitions throughout the southeastern United States.
See full Instructor bio.