Solargrams of the Sierras
Anna Atkins was an English botanist and photographer. She is often considered the first person to publish a book illustrated with photographic images. Some sources claim that she was the first woman to create a photograph.
Sir John Herschel, a friend of Atkins, invented the cyanotype photographic process in 1842. Within a year, Atkins applied the process to algae (specifically, seaweed) by making cyanotype photograms that were contact printed “by placing the unmounted dried-algae original directly on the cyanotype paper.”
The Photography Intensive Students created this flora and fauna field guide inspired by the work of Anna Atkins. Students utilized a process known as “solargram” which closely replicates the cyanotype process.
We hope you enjoy the book!
TEA 8th-Grade Photo Intensive Class 2020
(click image to view the book)
