history of cyanotype Melbourne Autumn morning, Princes Bridge 21 April 2026 Original toned cyanotype print

The surprising history of cyanotype

Cyanotype: from scientific discovery to contemporary art When we think about photography, we often imagine cameras, lenses and photographs captured in an instant. But some of the most fascinating photographic processes began long before digital technology – when scientists and artists were experimenting with chemistry, light and the possibilities of creating images by hand. Cyanotype…

WORLD CYANOTYPE DAY Montsalvat with Aldona Kmiec

World Cyanotype Day Celebrations at Montsalvat

Join me at Montsalvat for a special community gathering celebrating World Cyanotype Day(s), held annually in September. Theme for 2026 is: GLOBAL BLUEPRINT – People, Place, and Environment Following the cyanotype demonstration, participants will be invited to gather in the gardens of Montsalvat with their finished cyanotype prints for a large group photograph. This image…

Family Tree I and II, 2025 from the diptych “Family Tree” → Hills Hoist series, hand printed cyanotype photogram on found vintage canvas Size approx 50 x 50cm each

Why cyanotype is unlike any other form of photography

Cyanotype Photography  – why is it so captivating Photography is often associated with capturing a moment — freezing time with a camera and preserving a glimpse of the world as we see it. Cyanotype offers a different way of thinking about photography. Instead of looking through a viewfinder, we work directly with materials. Instead of…

Gypsophila paniculata cyanotype IMG_6793

What is cyanotype?

A beginner’s guide to the blue photographic process There is something magical about creating an image with sunlight. Unlike digital photography, where an image appears instantly on a screen, cyanotype asks us to slow down. It requires patience, observation and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. The final image is shaped not only by the…

Ethnic family portraits australia

African Family Portrait

Deng Family Portrait A blast from the past! Rarely I get to photograph such dynamic beautiful family with many children. We didn’t have much time, merely an hour due to the constraints with my clients time, but we managed to create this beautiful studio family portrait session filled with fun, connection and fantastic photographs! Nyanchar recently took…

Shooting portraits: Pregnancy photo shoot

Conceptual pregnancy photo shoot Last week I had a super special assignment: pregnancy photo shoot for a friend from Ballarat. Using Elinchrom Ranger Quadra equipment and Canon 5DII on location, we worked to create highly atmospheric images my friend would be very happy with. The concept with a piano accordion is partly an encouragement for me to start…

Aldona and piano accordion print

Pregnancy photo shoot

Conceptual portrait: pregnancy Last week I had a super special assignment: pregnancy photo shoot for a friend. Using battery powered strobe kit Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A+B Pro Set and my good old Canon 5DII, we worked to create highly atmospheric pregnancy portrait. The location was actually my home studio in Soldiers Hill, a few days before…

Ballarat Multicultural Portrait Photographer_Aldona Kmiec

Open Photography Studio week I

Open Photography Studio Backspace Gallery Huyghue House, Alfred Deakin Place Ballarat. Exhibition runs until April 14th “My Australia is one outcome of Aldona Kmiec’s ongoing inquiry into the nature and meaning of ‘multiculturalism’ in contemporary Australian society. Working with local culturally diverse communities, Aldona creates images that are sometimes straightforward and at other times atmospheric and…