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Solar Photography Kit
Use the power of sunlight to produce rich blue prints of common objects on paper or fabric.
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Made in USA
Ages
12+
Made from
plastic, 90 lb heavy weight cotton paper
Measurements
See below
Notes
Paper Kit includes: 6 5" x 7" sheets of photosensitive paper (each printable on both sides), instructions, light proof plastic storage bag.
Fabric Kit includes: 6 6" x 6" sheets of photosensitive cotton fabric (one each of green, orange, rose, turquoise, violet, and white)(each printable on both sides), instructions, light proof plastic storage bag.
Item ID
26042
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People love this product for its unique and creative approach to photography, making it a fun and engaging gift for all ages.
AI generated summary
- 5 stars out of 5
I bought this as a Christmas gift for someone who loves photography. S…
- 5 stars out of 5
I haven't used it yet but I am looking forward to this summer when I w…
- 5 stars out of 5
Bought the paper photo kit as a gift for an adult photography buff. W…
4.71
4.71 stars out of 5
based on 96 reviews
97%
of respondents would
recommend this to a friend
recommend this to a friend
72 users rating this 5 stars
21 users rating this 4 stars
2 users rating this 3 stars
1 users rating this 2 stars
0 users rating this 1 star
- 5 stars out of 5
- Nico
- verified buyer
- verified reviewer
- Cleveland
- Submitted as an incentivized review
made a great gift - twice!
I bought this as a Christmas gift for someone who loves photography. Separately, a friend sent me a cool solar photo that she had bought, as part of a gift. She commented that she'd really like to try this herself one day. So I knew exactly where to go to get her her own kit! And she was thrilled to receive it and to try it out. I do think this is reasonably priced and makes an interesting and creative gift.
- 5 stars out of 5
- Jamison
- verified buyer
- verified reviewer
- NY
- Submitted as an incentivized review
Looks like a fun project
I haven't used it yet but I am looking forward to this summer when I will have enough sun to develop the paper.
- 5 stars out of 5
- The Red Hare
- verified reviewer
- south carolina
So fun
Bought the paper photo kit as a gift for an adult photography buff. We had fun trying to figure out which items we had in the yard and inside that would create unique images. After a few trial and errors, we learned that on a somewhat cloudy day, a 30 min exposure time produced a photo with a nice contrast of white and blue. Lace with glass over the top worked really well, and a flat surface on the bottom was also helpful (instead of cardboard that might not keep the paper and objects tightly together).
- 5 stars out of 5
- Hummingbird
- verified reviewer
- Des Moines IA
Art and Science
Fun activity to do with grand kids. They love art, and they learned a little science!
- 5 stars out of 5
- Mixie
- verified reviewer
- Undisclosed
Looking forward to using this on a camping trip
The supplies look simple to use. I'm looking forward to seeing how they work.
- 5 stars out of 5
- CelloTape
- verified reviewer
- Undisclosed
Exactly as pictured
The solar photography kit arrived exactly as pictured. Haven't used it yet, as it's a gift, but the order is exactly what I expected.
- 4 stars out of 5
- JR
- verified reviewer
- Chicago IL
Hope it's as nice as it looks
Purchased as an Xmas gift. So won't have a preview anytime soon.
- 5 stars out of 5
- joie
- verified reviewer
- queens,ny
Highly recommend!
The Solar Photography Kit is such a fun and creative way to dive into cyanotype printing! It lets you use sunlight to create stunning blue prints of everyday objects on paper or fabric, and honestly, it's a blast to use. It's affordable, engaging, and leaves you with something beautiful to show for your efforts.
- 5 stars out of 5
- Friend22
- verified reviewer
- Undisclosed
Got as gift for a friend
Made for a fun and unique gift for a friend! Will have to wait for the update on how she uses it :)
- 4 stars out of 5
- K
- verified reviewer
- Undisclosed
Frame Your Own Beautiful Art
Having the fabric option is a wonderful medium! #sweepstakes
customer photos
photos from reviews
FAQs
1. How does a solar photography kit work?
A solar photography kit works by using sunlight to create cyanotype prints — a photographic process where you place objects directly on specially treated paper or fabric, expose it to sunlight, and then rinse the paper to reveal a stunning blue-and-white image. You simply arrange leaves, lace, flowers, or any flat objects on the paper, let the sun do the work, and wash it with water to develop the print. On partly cloudy days, an exposure time of around 30 minutes tends to produce great contrast.
2. What age is a solar photography kit appropriate for?
A solar photography kit is appropriate for a wide range of ages — from elementary school-aged children (around 6 and up) all the way through adults and photography enthusiasts. It's simple enough for kids to enjoy with minimal supervision, while still being engaging and creative for adults who love art, science, or photography. It's a particularly great hands-on activity for families to do together.
3. What kinds of objects can you use to make solar prints?
You can use a wide variety of everyday objects to make solar prints, including plant cuttings, leaves, lace, flowers, feathers, keys, and other flat or semi-flat items found around your home or yard. Placing glass over delicate items like lace helps keep them flat against the paper, which improves contrast and detail in the final print. Part of the fun is experimenting with unexpected objects to discover which ones create the most interesting images.
4. Is a solar photography kit a good gift for someone who loves photography?
A solar photography kit makes an excellent gift for someone who loves photography because it offers a unique, hands-on creative experience that goes beyond standard camera-based photography. It introduces cyanotype printing — a classic photographic technique — in an accessible, affordable format that most photography enthusiasts have never tried before. It's a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift that combines art, science, and creativity in a way that's genuinely exciting to unwrap and use.
5. Do you need direct sunlight to use a solar photography kit, or does it work on cloudy days?
A solar photography kit can work on cloudy days, though the exposure time will need to be adjusted. On a somewhat cloudy day, an exposure time of around 30 minutes can still produce prints with great contrast between the white and blue tones. Full, clear sunshine will naturally speed up the process, while overcast conditions simply require a longer exposure. The key is experimenting with timing to find what works best for the lighting conditions you have.
Customer questions
- Jill
- Minnesota
What are the pros and cons of using the paper sheets vs the cloth sheets?
Verified reply from Allison
Both options produce the same result! With the cloth prints, there is the fabric's texture and thinness that makes it unique! You can stitch the fabric, attach the fabric to stretchers and the fabric will look similar to a painting. The paper version is a sturdier print. Both can be hand painted and colored using markers.
- Gmal
- TX
Will the image from one side of the cloth be visible from the other side?
Verified reply from Michael
Hello! The image will not be visible on the underside of the cloth, Sorry
- Pamots
- Brunswick, Oh
26042 item-sunography paper/fabric kit(s), what is the size of the paper/fabric?
Verified reply from Allison
The six paper sheets are 5" x 7". The six fabric pieces are 6" x 6".
- K
- undisclosed
Refills for the paper?
Verified reply from Amy
Hi K! Aside from the instructions and the plastic storage bag, this kit is primarily just the paper (or fabric), so if you needed a refill you could just purchase the same thing again! We do not have the paper without the instructions or bag.
- Cara
- Ohio
Does the fabric come with finished edges or is it going to Frey?
Verified reply from Michael T
The fabric is unfinished. With time and wear, yes it will eventually fray.
- Maria
- undisclosed
Do the directions also come in Spanish? I'd like to give it as a gift to someone international
Verified reply from Valerie
The instructions are available in English, French and Spanish.
- Charpop
- undisclosed
I have a question regarding the weight of 01 paper kit: How heavy is it for 01 packet?
Verified reply from Valerie
The paper kit is 0.15 lb.
- Bean
- Washington, DC
The fabric sheets appear to arrive wrinkled. Can the fabric sheets be ironed prior to use without affecting the use of the sheet? Or after the image has been set?
Verified reply from Nichole
Because the fabric is cotton, it's safe to iron before or after setting the image. This won't affect the image.Just be sure to limit the fabric exposure to light before you're ready to print something.
- Jenny
Do you have to keep the finished product out of light?
Verified reply from Martin
Not at all. Once you "develop" the image by soaking it in water after taking the photograph to your liking, the image is permanent.
- Shorto
Does one kit include paper AND cloth sheets??
Verified reply from Marisa
Sorry for the confusion - no, the paper kit comes with paper sheets and the fabric kit comes with cloth. You can see the two options when you click on the "Select Item" pulldown menu.