The thesis focused on cyanotype, an alternative photographic printing technique based on light-sensitive iron compounds that produce characteristic blue prints. The main objective of the research was to examine the technical aspects of the cyanotype process and determine how specific parameters affect the final print quality. The theoretical part outlined the historical development of photographic techniques, the principles of cyanotype, and the properties of various printing substrates, including paper, textiles, stone, and glass.
The experimental part involved the production of digital negatives, the preparation of a photosensitive emulsion, and the exposure of prints using both natural sunlight and artificial ultraviolet (UV) light. A spectrodensitometer (X-Rite eXact) was used to measure the optical density of the cyanotype prints, enabling a precise analysis of tonal quality.
The research was based on two hypotheses: longer UV exposure results in darker prints, and shorter distance between the UV source and the print surface increases the image intensity. The findings confirmed both hypotheses. It was established that increased exposure time led to higher optical density, while reduced distance from the UV source enhanced the depth of tone. These conclusions demonstrate that high-quality and visually expressive cyanotypes can be achieved by carefully controlling technical parameters. The results offer a foundation for further experimentation and support the use of cyanotype in both artistic and educational contexts.
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