Anna Atkins was an english botanist and a photographer. She is the first female to make cyanotypes. The 'British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions' was the first ever book to be illustrated with photographs making her a real pioneer of the new art form. She discovered cyanotypes after meeting Fox Talbot the british inventor. The blue background suggested the water from which her plants originated.
What are the advantages of cyanotypes?
Cyanotypes are easy to use and are cheap. You need photographic paper and you need to paint it with special chemicals. You do not need a dark room all you need is some objects. This is probably why artists use the process as it can be made anywhere.
These are mine. This one worked out quite well. The shape came out will, but could have been better and clearer.
This is my second one and it didn't get enough light on it and it faded but you can still see the hand.