The focus of this workshop is on the process so the learners get a sense of the how's to developing a photograph. For this reason, using readymade cyanotype papers helps to create easy steps for learners to follow. The essential materials are:

• Prepare OHP transparency sheets, cut to the same size as the cyanotype papers;
• Learners use a black permanent marker to draw their design onto the transparency;
• Alternatively, learners can collect objects such as leaves to be sandwiched between the transparency and the cyanotype paper;
• Masking tape to help stick things down.
• Running water, developing trays.

It is important to identify the unknowns as they are the factors that will influence the outcome. As for this workshop, it relies on a number of external factors: weather dependent - access to a sunny spot outside, access to a sink with running water, exposure time and developing time, drying and archiving spaces... Control the factors that can be controlled will streamline the process and might just help to predict a successful outcome.

Drawing on the OHP transparencies helps break the barriers in a transdisciplinary curriculum - learners can trace off an image they like so that it is interest-driven. More importantly, when the focus is shifted away from the mastery of [drawing] skills, it encourages more engagement in the action and the process. The concept of 'drawing with light' becomes tangible - objects are put together in a certain way, following certain steps, achieving certain results. You might even prescribe additional considerations such as 'there should be around 50% of the area blocked out' or 'the drawing needs to "touch" the edge of the transparency'.. all to make the composition more interesting.

Once the learners are done with their drawing, or collection of interesting objects, ask whoever is ready to come to you with their materials. The cyanotype paper is quite sensitive to light, take out one sheet at a time from its lighttight envelop and quickly put the transparency on top. This step needs to be done away from sunlight. Read the instructions on the package to ensure that you have the cyanotype paper the 'right side up.'

On a sunny day, leave the transparency on top of a cyanotype paper, tape down firmly, and expose outside in the sun for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, use a full-spectrum or UV light indoors and expect to reduce the exposure time to 5-8 minutes. Although, it really depends on the chemical make-up so always follow the instructions on the package.

Times up, collect the paper and rinse it under running water for two minutes and leave it in a developing tray (any flat bottom rectangular tray, really) until the reversed image appears. Smiles and giggles often accompany the developed image. 

The great thing about running this workshop with a student group is the gallery walk. Once the print has been developed, take it out of the tray and hang it on a wall to airdry. Without prompting you start to hear people talking about the clarity of the print, what they like about the image quality, what happened during the process that might have had affected the result, and most of all the fun of it all. A perfect moment to talk about "if you were to do this again, what would you do differently?"

An exciting surprise would be to prepare a table of carefully curated interesting objects for students to have another go, if time allows. Once the concept of 'drawing with light' is established, this next step really helps to focus on looking at composition and making a shift from the technical to the artistic.

More on the invention of photography can be further explored in this Google Arts & Culture lesson (https://g.co/arts/ms4kP3bxxjbpyCdB6).

Artists use the medium of their time to explore, investigate, and express. Be an artist, let's play!