About the event

Shadows of Summer, Emerging Autumn

A Cyanotype Walk and Make Workshop

Join photographer and creative educator Rebecca Cross of RootsShoots Creative for a special two-hour walk and creative cyanotype workshop at The Naze Nature Discovery Centre.

Cyanotype is one of the earliest forms of photography. Developed in the 1840s, this fascinating camera-less process uses light-sensitive paper, natural objects, sunlight and water to create beautiful prints in distinctive shades of Prussian blue. Wherever the sunlight reaches, the paper turns blue, while the objects placed upon it leave behind delicate white shapes, shadows and impressions.

Our workshop will begin with a gentle, mindful walk through the upper grassland and gorse of The Naze. Together, we’ll slow down and look more closely at this distinctive coastal landscape, searching for the subtle signs of the seasons changing: fading summer plants, grasses, seed heads, fallen leaves, feathers and the first textures and shapes of autumn.

You’ll be invited to find something that represents summer lingering, something that suggests autumn emerging and something that appears to sit between the two. Using fallen and gathered natural materials, you’ll then learn how to arrange your discoveries into your own photographic compositions.

We’ll place our designs onto light-sensitive paper and expose them to the daylight before washing them in water and watching the images gradually appear. Part science, part photography and part creative experimentation, every cyanotype is completely unique.

This relaxed, hands-on workshop is an opportunity to connect with nature, explore your creativity and express your own response to The Naze as the landscape moves from one season into another. You don’t need any previous photography or art experience, and all creative materials will be provided. Simply bring yourself, your curiosity and a little time to enjoy nature and art.

At the end of the workshop, we’ll bring our prints together to create a temporary collective record of The Naze between the seasons. You’ll also take home your own original cyanotype artworks: lasting blue impressions of the shadows of summer as autumn begins to emerge.

£21 per ticket.  Suitable for complete beginners.

Facilities at The Naze include café, shop, toilets, disabled toilets, baby changing and car park (fees apply).

Please read our event terms and conditions before booking your place.