Alternative photographic techniques are gaining in popularity these days. This site aims to help explain one particularly interesting technique: the use of blueprint paper as an alternative to film and photographic paper.

Blueprint paper is inexpensive, easy to process at home, and does not require a darkroom or any special equipment. It really makes photography very accessable for hobbyists, elementary school classes, and anyone else who likes to take pictures and wants to try something new. While almost anyone can make a blueprint image, the real challenge lies in composing an image that takes advantage of blueprint paper’s unique qualities and characteristics. Blues become white and yellows become blue, and everything else has its own gradient between the two.

This site is intended to promote learning through discussion, sharing experiences, sharing photos, and references. To facilitate this process, I’ve changed the site to a wiki as well as a improving the user-contributed image gallery for all interested parties to use. I hope that you find these pages interesting and informative. Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or complaints.

Note: O’Reilly’s new book Makers is out, and has 2 pages dedicated to blueprint photography and me & Liz. Please check it out!