​

Big Idea:

• To create a photomontage that reflects the interconnectedness of individual, community, history and society. 

• To inquire and research this idea through visual storytelling. 

​

Method 

Cyanotype - is the “original” sun-printing process, one of the earliest photographic techniques. Discovered in 1842 and distinctive for producing rich, Prussian blue monochromatic prints, Cyanotype was popular well into the 20th century as an inexpensive method for reproducing photographs, documents, maps and plans (hence the enduring architectural term “blueprint”) and famously, for making impressions of biological specimens in the field (“photograms")

​​

​

Part 1: Research

​​

Before we make anything, we need to understand what we’re working with.

​

Briefly research cyanotypes and put the information you find on a google slideshow:

1. What is a cyanotype, in your own words?
2. How does the process actually work from start to finish?
3. Why does it turn that deep blue colour? What is happening with light and chemistry?
4. Who has used cyanotypes, historically and today? (artists, photographers, scientists, image-makers)

5. Why might an artist choose this slow, physical, and slightly unpredictable process instead of digital images?

​

Make sure to include visual examples that actually make you pause or feel something!

 

​
 

Part 2: Personal & Family History Exploration - FOREWARD

​​​

This is the heart of the project :) 

​

You are going to choose a part of your identity, family story, or cultural background that feels meaningful to you and worth preserving visually.

 

Ask yourself:

1. What story do I/does my family come from?
2. What do I want to understand better about my family or culture or background?
3. What objects, symbols, or memories represent me or my family's history?

​​

Then, research by talking to parents, grandparents, or relatives. Ask questions... listen to stories. Look for details you’ve maybe never thought about before. Then, gather visual 2-D materials connected to that story.

​

You might include:

Objects from home that hold meaning (tools, keepsakes, clothing, books, letters, etc.)
Symbols, patterns, or imagery tied to your background
Personal milestones, struggles, or achievements

​

On the Google Doc provided, write a 250-500 word Foreward about the meaning of your project. 

(A foreword is a short introduction written at the beginning of a book, story collection, project, or report. It usually explains the purpose of the work, gives background information, or tells readers why the piece is important. Think of it as a “welcome” or introduction for the reader before the main work begins!)​

​​

​Example of a Foreward 1   |   Example of a Foreward 2

​

​​

Part 3: Photography of Materials

​

Now you bring your collection into the studio! You’ll photograph your objects using the tabletop lighting setup or the studio lighting. 

​​​

Important guidelines:

• Everything you bring should be flat or 2D (or something that can safely lie flat for layering)

• Think about how objects overlap, connect, or tell a story together

• Set up how you want to overlap your images. Compose them like a visual narrative!

• Consider shadow, contrast, and negative space

​​

​

​

Part 4: Create the Negative

​

Using your studio photographs, you will:

• Layer and combine your images in Photoshop

• Adjust scale, placement, and composition

• Refine contrast and clarity

• Build a final image that feels intentional and meaningful

• Use different blend modes

​

Think carefully here:

• What should stand out?

• What should fade into the background?

• What story is your composition telling?

​

Then you will create a negative of your image by inverting your photo. Export it and a PNG and email your file to Ms. Tabone at atabone@wvschools.ca when you are done. I will print out your negatives on a transparent film. 

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​