The long wait

This is a cyanotype (blueprint process, 1842) made from a 10x13 inches

"digital negative" (actually, the original 4x5 negative was scanned,

then blowed to 10x13 and printed on a clear plastic sheet). The paper

was then sensitized and processed as per the normal cyanotype

procedure. This one was actually bleached in sodium bicarbonate to

remove some excess density. I'll probably tone it tonight.

 

My feeling is that the 10x13 digital negative, while not as good as a

real, first generation negative made on film, is superior to what I'd

get through the traditional internegative way; and the plastic sheet

is cheaper than the hugely expensive 11x14 film.

As usual there are a few 3's & 4's slapped down, with no comments, feedback, or surprisingly questions about how you went about making this!

It sounds an interesting process Philippe, and the result is nicely detailed. The tones too have rendered better than I might expect from a Cyanotype. I am sure it would be possible to darken the darks for more impact and contrast, but to be perfectly honest I think it would take away part of the character of the print. Personally I am not a fan of high contrast unless it is an image which particularly suits it, so for me the lower contrast works very well here, and suits the subject. Tones are preserved in the dark clothes and the bark of the tree.

Her gaze is rather despondent, but in her pre-raphaelite style dress I think it an expression which suits that period of art.

Lovely work, well done!

Excellent portrait! While the process sounds interesting, I'm more interested in the result, which I think is quite effective. The low contrast and softness of the image accentuates the eyes, which remain surprisingly sharp. I also like how her garment echoes the texture of the tree bark. Well done!