Solar Printing

Solar printing (also called cyanotype or sun printing) works by coating paper or fabric with a  light-sensitive chemical that reacts to ultraviolet (UV) light. When objects or a transparent image negative are placed on the coated surface and exposed to sunlight, the UV light triggers a chemical change that darkens the exposed areas, while the areas in shadow remain light. After exposure, the material is rinsed in water, which washes away unreacted chemicals and fixes the image permanently, leaving a high-contrast print created directly by the sun.

A typical digital camera only captures light within the visible spectrum, while a full-spectrum camera can also photograph infrared and ultraviolet light. These invisible wavelengths are present in sunlight and reveal colorful, otherworldly scenes the human eye cannot see. Camera filters isolate specific wavelengths, creating unique and vibrant images.