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Dalton Junior High School ninth-grader Taylor Nietzsche did not realize how convenient today’s generation has it when it comes to capturing a moment in time with the quick snap of a camera button.

That was until she learned about creating cyanotypes in her Photography I class, a process that captures an object in time through unconventional ways by today’s standards of photography.

The class, taught by art teacher Kristi Harvey, recently had students create their own chemical cyanotype photographs, one of the oldest photographic printing processes in history dating back to 1842 when it was discovered by scientist Sir John Herschel.

“I didn’t know it was photography because you’re not actually taking pictures,” Nietzsche said.

Instead, cyanotype photography, known as a “sun-printing” process, involves using a specialized white paper coated with a solution of iron salts created by combining potassium ferricyanide and ferric ammonium citrate, which becomes sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light.

An object is placed on the paper and then exposed to sunlight (or a UV lamp). When sunlight hits the paper, the area not covered by an object will react and turn blue, while the area underneath the object will remain white, effectively imprinting its “shadow” on the paper.

The paper is then processed and rinsed in water to stabilize the material and create a deeper shade of blue while the print of the object remains white.

Cyanotypes derive their name from the cyan shade of blue created. Originally popularized as a way to study botany by capturing plants, cyanotype photography was later used by engineers to produce copies of architectural drawings, coining the term “blueprint.”

For the class project, Harvey ordered cyanotype paper that had already had the solution added. Students used anything they had available in their backpacks to create their prints, ranging from hairbrushes and candy wrappers to earphones and charging cases.

Kaylen Chitwood, who used a pack of gum for her print, said the process was fascinating.

“I didn’t realize after the paper had dried, it would completely change colors again,” she said. “It turned a lot darker.”

Mary Sharp and Marley Barmore both said the results were unexpected after using a bracelet, hair bows and pencils for their prints.

“After we came back inside, we submerged them in water to stop the thermal process,” Barmore said. “It was cool to see how it worked.”

“You could see the shadows of the objects (on the paper), which I didn’t expect,” said Sharp. “You could see the reflection of the pencil on the paper in a lighter color. It’s cool because you could see different results with each try if you wanted.”

Harvey, who began her second year as a visual arts teacher for Dalton Public Schools this year, has taught photography classes for seven of her 20 years as a teacher. Harvey also teaches drawing and painting, pottery and ceramics and eighth-grade general visual arts classes. Ninth-grade students are able to receive a high school fine arts credit by taking art classes at the junior high.

Harvey said educating students on different forms of art is essential.

“The purpose of (Photography I) is to educate these students about careers as they start high school,” she said. “Right now, things like technology, cellphones, photographs, social media, kids are exposed to all of these things. What I hope to do is show them that they can look deeper into what they see. Like how to tell a story with the photos (they) take or how to capture a moment in a more aesthetic way.

“I think it engages and creates more visual literacy and allows students to think a little tighter, so to speak. Instead of just that click (of a camera), they’re really analyzing what they’re seeing and doing, so I want them to know about careers that they may not have realized could involve the art of photography specifically.”

Principal Matt Phillips said Harvey and her students are a “great example of what can happen when you combine talented students with amazing teachers.”

“Allowing students to engage in multiple forms of visual art is vital to a well-rounded educational experience,” Phillips said. “Having a quality, engaging art teacher such as Ms. Harvey is a valuable asset to any school staff, and we are thankful for the way she connects with our students and their interests. She makes relationships with her students and uses those relationships to connect them to art that interests them.”

Harvey said her goal is to have students leave the classroom with a new perspective.

“What’s interesting is there are things like this that they never knew about that came before the cellphone in their hand or a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera,” she said. “They have really taken to it well.”

Chitwood said she has a different outlook after the project.

“I didn’t realize there were ways to take pictures other than using a camera,” she said. “It made me respect the people who used this back then.”

Sharp shared similar sentiments.

“It made me realize that I’ve grown up very limited, just taking pictures on my phone and that was all I knew,” she said. “It was so cool to experience this.”

Harvey said the class will revisit cyanotypes later in the semester.

“That way they can apply what they learned the first time around and maybe do things differently.”

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A Northeast Ohio photographer is creating a home base in Oberlin.

Aileen Smith, 32, a Lorain native who currently lives in Amherst, specializes in couple photography, boudoir, engagement, wedding and maternity.

“When I first started, I wanted to accept any and all projects, but now that I’ve been doing this for a while, I have found what I’m really passionate about,” Smith said. “I’ve been working really hard and it’s nice that it’s paid off in a way that now I can enjoy this studio space and move into the next chapter of my business.”

Smith’ photography business, Aileen Elizabeth Photography, has been shared across streaming platforms and acknowledged by companies such as Walgreens.

Smith said she credits her success and growing clientele to maintaining good energy and building relationships with clients.

“Majority of my clients are referrals,” she said. “When you put your heart into your work, clients will tell their family and friends because they want them to have that same experience.

“I think of them as friends and people who I create good relationships with, so by sticking with that and being consistent, speaks volumes about how I like to run my business.”

As her business reaches its seventh year, Smith is opening a new studio inside the Huntington Bank building, 5 S. Main St. in downtown Oberlin

“I would’ve never thought I would be at this point in my business,” she said. “I’m so grateful for where my business is because there was a time I hoped people would book me for their weddings and events, and now I’m almost completely booked for the next year. It’s very cool.”

“I always wanted a studio space, but never felt it was a good time for it; I found this space and just fell in love with everything about it.”

Smith said she plans to open up the space overlooking Oberlin College for other creatives to utilize.

“There aren’t a lot of studios available on the west side, so I know a lot of my photographer friends are looking forward to it,” she said. “I want to do events like photo content days and networking opportunities eventually.”

Smith said she looks forward to creating a presence within Lorain County.

“I’m so excited to be here in Oberlin,” she said. “I’ve shot down here a lot, and I’m looking forward to being here in this close knit, artistic community.”