[alt-photo] Re: UV light for cyanotypes

[Diana Bloomfield]

Hey Sarah,

I have no idea about James' suggestion, and you're probably in more of a rush to get something done sooner rather than later-- but I'm sure your community college offers an associates degree in some field (electrical engineering maybe? Design? Woodworking?), that you could use for your purposes.  Not that you need a degree in electrical engineering, but you could approach an instructor and ask if he/she would offer that up as a group project.  They could maybe make you a large UV light-box, for larger classes and longer term.  Before I started using a vacuum print frame, my husband made me one, which was really based on a smaller one that I'd purchased, but didn't like for various reasons.  Anyway,  I think if you commissioned for something that would accommodate your classes and that would last long-term, that seems like a worthwhile integrated approach to learning, and everyone gets something out of it.

Again, I'm sure you're up for something sooner that that, but it's a thought for longer-term.

Diana

On Feb 22, 2012, at 10:16 AM, Sarah McKemie wrote:

> Hi there, 
> 
> I am a traditional printer and am just starting to scrape the surface of alt. process. 
> I teach a intro and advanced darkroom class at a community college and would like to try doing cyanotype's with my adv. class.
> To give them (and myself) an introduction to cyanotypes.
> However, our class is at night,  so I will need a uv source.
> 
> 
> I do not feel confident to make one with wiring, etc. Nor do I have time right now.
> I would like to buy something affordable.
> In Christopher James, Alternative Processes book, he recommends "1000-Watt Metal Halide Maximizer Grow Light System", from www.hydroponics.net, and he says it is about $250.  Would this be my best affodrable bet, or is something cheaper?
> 
> Do you have any ideas?
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