How Do You Sun Print Something?

To sun print something, you arrange objects on light-sensitive paper and expose them to direct sunlight, creating a photographic print where the areas covered by objects remain unexposed and appear lighter, while the exposed areas darken.

Sun printing, also known as cyanotype printing, is a simple and fascinating photographic process that uses the power of the sun to create unique images. The core idea involves placing objects on a specially treated paper that reacts to UV light.

Step-by-Step Sun Printing Process

The process is straightforward and can be done with minimal materials. Here’s how you generally do it, incorporating the method described in the reference:

1. Prepare Your Space and Materials: Ensure you have your light-sensitive paper and the objects you want to print ready. Work in a shaded area or indoors before exposure.
2. Arrange Your Objects: Quickly place the paper in direct sunlight and arrange objects on the sheet. Speed is key if placing the paper in the sun first, as it begins to expose immediately. Alternatively, you can arrange the objects on the sheet in a shaded area first to take your time composing your image.
3. Expose to Sunlight: Once your objects are arranged, place [the paper] in direct sunlight for the required time. This is where the magic happens; the UV light from the sun reacts with the chemicals on the paper.
4. Monitor Exposure Time: The duration of exposure depends on the sunlight's intensity. In bright sunshine it will expose in 2 minutes, on an overcast day it will take closer to 20 minutes. Watch for the paper to change color significantly, often turning a deep blue (or the color specific to the type of paper used).
5. Develop (Wash): Once the exposure is complete, remove the objects and rinse the paper thoroughly in water. This washes away the unexposed chemicals and fixes the image. The areas that were covered by objects will remain the original paper color, creating your print.
6. Dry: Let your sun print air dry completely.

By following these steps, you can easily create beautiful, contact prints using just sunlight and light-sensitive paper. The possibilities for creative arrangements are endless, from natural objects like leaves and flowers to household items or even photographic negatives printed onto transparency film.