A scan of a wet cyanotype showing colourful autumn leaves of maple and ginkgo biloba, among others. A wet cyanotype is made by sprinkling a chemical-sensitised sheet of paper with water and then illuminating it with a UV lamp or sunlight. A negative can be used for the image but natural materials such as leaves and feathers can also be used. For additional effects, soapsuds, table salt, vinegar and turmeric are sometimes added. The image is a scan of a wet cyanotype just after exposure and before developing with tap water. The glass plate that holds the leaves in place is still present, so the scan was made through the glass plate. Cyanotype or blueprinting is a traditional photography technique discovered by John Herschel in 1842. The process was also used in industry to cheaply duplicate building plans and drawings. Personally, I really like the vibrant colours and imperfections with especially the contrast between the warm red, orange and yellow tones of the leaves and the blue of the cyanotype in progress.