Mendocino Cyanotype Prints: Make Deep Blue Prints Quickly

Combine 1840s chemistry with your phone photos to watch images appear in deep blue

Make cyanotype prints in under 30 minutes at a studio in Mendocino using photos from your phone, UV light and water. You choose the image, handle the washing and developing, and leave with finished prints. A live guide walks you through the process and handles the technical setup. Children from age 3 are welcome.

The experience

In under 30 minutes, you move from choosing an image to holding a finished print. Walk into the studio and pick what to print: a photo from your phone, one of nearly 100 images the studio keeps on file, or plants and flowers you bring in. The guide shows you dozens of finished cyanotype examples so you can see what the process makes possible, then walks you through the steps. The studio handles the Photoshop work and the UV exposure under the negative. You take over for the part that matters: washing the coated paper in water and watching the image emerge in that deep, clear blue that echoes the sea just outside.

The cyanotype process dates to the 1840s, but the studio pairs it with modern tools so the whole thing fits inside a single visit. Each print takes about 15 minutes to develop once the exposure is done. You get to watch and learn while the guide leads you through, so there's no guessing or waiting for someone else to finish your work. The finished print and the printed negative both come home with you.

What’s included

• Finished cyanotype print.
• printed negative.
• guide instruction through the entire process.
• access to studio image library of nearly 100 options.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to Saturday6 departure times: the first at 12:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Cyan Art Studio

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a hands-on creative project that fits inside a short visit and leaves you with something you made yourself. The 30-minute window works for travelers between other activities on the Mendocino Coast, and the deep blue prints capture the essence of the sea nearby without requiring any prior experience.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

How long does it actually take to make one print from start to finish?

Each print takes about 15 minutes to wash and develop in water once the UV exposure is done. The whole studio visit, including choosing your image and learning the process, fits inside 30 minutes.

Can I use a photo from my phone, or do I have to pick from the studio's images?

You can print from photos on your phone, choose from nearly 100 images the studio has on file, or use plants, flowers or vintage glassware you bring in. The guide will show you the options when you arrive.

What exactly do I get to do, and what does the guide handle?

The guide does the Photoshop work, printing the negative, and setting up the UV exposure. You watch and learn those steps, then take over for washing and developing the print in water: the moment when the image appears in deep blue. That's the part you do yourself.

What do I take home with me?

You leave with your finished cyanotype print and the printed negative. These make gifts because you made them yourself.