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Cyanotype Photography & Natural Dyes | Online Course with Ashleigh Ellis

Bringing Photography to Life with Botanical Colour

There is something magical about watching an image slowly emerge from light.

Cyanotype has fascinated artists, photographers and makers for over 180 years. Its unmistakable deep Prussian blue has become one of the most recognisable photographic printing processes in the world. But what happens when those blue prints become the beginning of the journey rather than the finished piece?

That is where natural dyes enter the picture.

At the Natural Dyers & Growers Academy, we are delighted to welcome eco artist Ashleigh Ellis back with her newest online course, Cyanotype Photography & Natural Dyes, exploring the meeting point between photography, botanical colour and textile art.

More Than Blue

Traditional cyanotype is known for its rich blue tones, but those blues are only the starting point.

By introducing carefully selected plant dyes, cyanotype prints can be transformed into an extraordinary palette of greens, warm greys, earthy browns, golden yellows and subtle violet tones. Each plant interacts slightly differently with the cyanotype chemistry, creating artwork that feels both photographic and painterly.

Rather than covering the image, natural dyes enhance it—adding depth, atmosphere and a sense of connection to the landscape from which the colour itself came.

Whether printed on paper or fabric, every piece becomes unique.

Photography, Plants and Process

A close-up of a square textile or fabric swatch with a leaf print pattern shown in four color variations arranged in a 2x2 grid: blue, black, purple, and olive green.

Throughout this five-week course, Ashleigh guides participants through the complete creative process.

Beginning with photographic negatives, you'll learn how to expose and develop successful cyanotype prints before exploring how natural dyes can expand the colour palette far beyond blue.

Along the way you'll discover:

  • Creating photographic cyanotypes on paper and fabric
  • Working with UV light or sunlight
  • Choosing papers and textiles for the best results
  • Natural dye selection and colour modification
  • Mordanting for wearable pieces
  • Botanical bleaching and pH shifts
  • Professional finishing techniques for artwork and textiles

Whether you're making artwork for the wall, experimenting with wearable textiles or developing your own artistic practice, the course provides both the technical understanding and creative freedom to continue exploring long after it finishes.

Learn Live, Create at Your Own Pace

Three narrow fabric strips hanging side by side, each with a white leaf print on a different blue-green base: dark navy on the left, teal-blue in the center, and muted green on the right.

The course runs over five weeks, combining live Zoom teaching with downloadable resources and recorded sessions that can be revisited whenever you need them.

There is plenty of opportunity to ask questions, share your work and learn alongside other creatives, while still having the flexibility to fit the course around your own schedule.

No previous experience with cyanotype is necessary.

Meet Your Tutor

Ashleigh Ellis is an award-winning eco artist based in Cork, Ireland whose work explores the relationship between people and the more-than-human world through plants, textiles, photography and natural pigments.

Her thoughtful teaching style encourages experimentation without intimidation, helping beginners feel confident while offering experienced artists new directions to explore.

Many Academy members will already know Ashleigh from previous workshops, where her warmth, generosity and depth of knowledge have inspired countless beautiful pieces.

To explore more of Ashleigh's artwork, exhibitions and creative practice, visit her website: Ashleigh Ellis.

Join Us This September

A close-up of a blue-toned artwork or print featuring part of a face with a dark hair silhouette and abstract floral or star-like marks, photographed against a light neutral background.

If you've ever wanted to combine photography with natural colour—or simply explore a slower, more environmentally conscious creative practice—this course offers the perfect opportunity.

Cyanotype Photography & Natural Dyes begins 3rd September, with four live Zoom sessions, downloadable resources and ongoing access to recordings within the Academy.

We look forward to welcoming you into another inspiring creative journey with Ashleigh.

Course at a Glance

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