class by amy elizAbethCyanotypes:Blue & Beyond
Make your dream cyanotype prints right at home
We will start with the classic 180+ year-old process but give it some modern twists, leaving you with inspiration and tools to create the raddest prints right in your own home. (Apologies in advance for your new hyperfocus obsession.)
COURSE LENGTH3 weeks
class start date2nd Nov 2026
INVESTMENT$300 / $350
Independent / Guided
amy elizabethNo darkroom? No problem! Cyanotypes are the easy, breezy way to create the prints of your dreams right at home.
But this isn’t like a regular cyanotype class, it’s a cool class. Whether you’re learning cyanotypes for the first time or wanting to expand your knowledge, this class will cover it all.
We’ll start with the same classic blue formula that was invented in 1842, but we will modernize it by expanding into poppy colors and calming toning. We will learn how to make digital negatives from any photo on our camera roll, learn how to use film negatives, and make striking prints with no negatives at all. Finally, we will level up from static images to moving ones as we create animated sequences that are fit for the coolest music videos or for the family historian to create amazing mementos.
amy elizabeth-
In this 3 week experience you will learn:
How to set up your dimroom
How to mix and paint your chemicals
Suggested papers and alternative chemical formulas
How to find proper exposure for a given image
Photograms with objects, florals, and paper shaping
Bleaching
Wet cyanotypes
Toning
How to identify potential toning sources
How to use negatives to create a print
How to create digital negatives from any photo you have
How to separate channels to create negatives for duo and trichromes (aka duotones and tricolor)
How to create duochromes with cyanotype chemicals and Solarfast
Three different ways to create trichromes
How to create animations from start to finish
BONUS: Learn how to use my FAVORITE unexpected tool to create digital negatives
I won’t hold back. You will learn ALL my tricks here.
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This 3-week interactive class will include:
A welcoming environment and a community of like-minded individuals
Deadlines to help you follow through
Daily access to an (extremely enthusiastic!!!!) instructor who will celebrate your triumphs and help you troubleshoot your frustrations.
Optional daily practices for you to have your hand at the material, with three larger assignments to present what you’ve learned.
Group zooms for time to connect and share
Written lessons with lots of examples and accompanying video to watch the exact steps taking place
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A rudimentary understanding of editing images with curves and levels not necessary, but beneficial.
No darkroom needed, but you will need access to a space without sunlight (a room with dark shades on the windows is just fine)
Access to Adobe Photoshop.
A full list of supplies will be given in advance.
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Interactive classes are held online and registration opens seasonally.
Guided students can participate fully in class, by asking questions, submitting assignments, and getting personalized feedback from your teacher.
Independent students have full access to class content and can participate in class discussions —they just don’t get teacher critique and feedback on images or assignments.
“Amy’s heart and passion come through in every part of this class—from the thoughtful way she built the lessons to her warm, genuine feedback on our work. She creates a space that feels safe and supportive, where it’s easy to share your art and take creative risks.”
lisa
MEET THE TEACHERAmy
Elizabeth
Hi, I’m Amy. I am passionate about self-portraiture and have deepened my love for it over the last 5 years in particular, as I discovered it’s one of my favorite ways to externally process.
I extol the therapeutic act of showing up, letting go, and allowing what’s going on inside to pour out onto the frame. It’s my way of coming back to myself.
I love empowering others in their own artistry (you are an artist!). I delight in passing along my knowledge and experiences so others can add technical and artistic tools to their storytelling toolbelt.
I fell in love with photography in my high school darkroom and after a brief dalliance with digital, I slowly returned to my film roots. Although I connect best with the technical aspects and artistry of film photography, I strongly believe we should unapologetically use the best tool for our job (my iPhone is one of my favorites!)
I am passionate about tangible art, whether it’s making cyanotypes, embroidery, weaving, cutting, or folding. Not only does it bring me satisfaction to work manually, but I refuse to let my art and memories be swept away in the Digital Dark Age.
I am an artist, owner of Film Lab 135, The Art Lab guide, and Post-Processing podcast host, residing in Minneapolis, MN with my three boys (and cat, Lily). I’d love to connect and create with you. I truly believe we are better together, a rising tide lifts all boats, teamwork makes the dream work, and any other cliché about community that is only trite because it’s true.
Any questions? Email your teacher directly here and they will get back to you.
Alumni Student? We’d love to have you back! Email your teacher here and they will send you a link.
Interactive Class Registration opens August 26th
What other students had to say
This class was an absolute dream - challenging, introspective, encouraging, supportive. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone in so many ways - but the teacher and students were so thoughtful and engaged, that I felt safe the entire time. I would take this class again and again - honestly, I'd take it each year to see what growth and changes happen in my sense of self. This class and Cami's class on process have been work/life changing for me.
SaraHAmy teaches with a great mix of technical know-how and personal experience, and she’s always there with encouragement and guidance when you need it. The process ended up being unexpectedly healing for me, helping me work through parts of my past in a really meaningful and healing way. The Zoom sessions were another favorite; they brought everyone together and created real connections that I know will last. I can’t recommend this experience enough, and I’m already looking forward to continuing my creative journey using the skills I learned during this course
LisA
Amy is an incredibly good teacher. I haven’t taken a class that kept me this engaged every single day in a long time. I truly admire her artistry and her teaching style. The way she shares her knowledge made learning both inspiring and practical, and I now feel equipped with new skills I can confidently apply to my future projects. Thank you Amy!
mONICA
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