Anna Atkins (1799-1871) was trained as a botanist, botanical illustrator and naturalist. She learned the cyanotype process from Sir John Hershel, a family friend, who invented it in 1842. Atkins printed and published Part I of the 12 part British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions in 1843 which contains over 400 images. Her efforts established photography as a medium -- useful, accurate and beautiful -- for scientific documentation.
Atkin's subsequent presentation botanical albums include Cyanotypes of British and Foreign Ferns (1853) and Cyanotypes of British and Foreign Flowering Plants and Ferns (1854).
Furcellaria fastigiata. Atkins, Anna -- Photographer. 1843-53.
Photographs of British algae: cyanotype impressions.
Part IV, version 2. The New York Public Library. Spencer Collection.
The process of cyanotype involves exposing paper coated with a light-sensitive iron salt solution to UV light. Any barrier to exposure will be recorded as a white shadow - (negative image) on the prussian blue surface.
For a more complete discussion of Atkins life and work:
For more on the cyanotype process and it's history:
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