About Blue Print

I created Blue Print in an effort to expand my creative desires beyond my camera and my computer.

I wanted to focus back to my days studying fine art and elaborate an my most loved alternative photo process, Cyanotypes!

Cyanotypes date back to the 1800's as one of the original photographic processes. Living now on Nantucket Island, a place full of history, it felt only natural to pick up this art form again.

This work feels in sync with the Island and its integrity by embracing both history and of course quintessential nautical hues.

- Holly Estrow

Commission Work

I am available for commissioned work. If there is a piece you already see and love but want it a certain size or a certain wash (light vs. dark), that can all be arranged.

Also I can be hired for a personalized cyanotype print whether it be of a large scale family portrait, a place or space that is special to you (maybe it's Cisco Beach or your favorite historical structure), or whatever  you have in mind!

Where To Buy 

You can find my work at...

Instagram - @blueprint_nantucket (just message me!)

Sustainable Nantucket Farmers & Artisans Market - Saturday's on Cambridge St.

Grey Lady Gallery - Online

Levitate Surf Shack - 39 Straight Wharf, Nantucket, MA 02554

The Process

Making Cyanotype prints is a multi step process. 

Most of my images have been shot on 35mm film using an old Canon TX. Those images then have to be developed and scanned onto the computer. From there I select the images I want to print and turn them into large size photo transparencies. I do this by resizing the image and inverting it to a negative image which then gets printed on transparency paper.

Once I have my transparencies ready I cut or tear my archival watercolor paper to the size image I wish to create. I use this paper because it is absorbent and archival.

I then mix up a cyanotype solution made of iron salts which has a bright yellow pigment. This solution then gets hand painted onto the paper and dried.

After the paper dries, I place the photo negative on top of the coated paper and place it into a contact frame which holds the pieces in place between wood and glass. I then expose the paper to sunlight for  an amount of time I have determined. 

Once exposed, I remove the paper from the contact frame and wash it under water until all the unexposed material washes away leaving behind a blue image!

Then the image is hung to dry. Voila! 

Below images by Dan LeMaitre