Photo Museum Ireland was thrilled to welcome young photographers for When I Feel Blue, a special cyanotype workshop delivered as part of Cruinniú na nÓg.
Led by artist and Photo Museum Ireland Youth Panel member Laura Nadal, the workshop invited young people to experiment with light, portraits, negatives and composition to create their own handmade cyanotype prints.
Cyanotype is one of photography’s earliest printing processes, known for its distinctive deep blue colour. During the workshop, participants explored how images can be made using light-sensitive materials, everyday objects and photographic negatives, developing their own creative responses through a hands-on introduction to analogue image-making.
Laura Nadal is an emerging artist and member of the Photo Museum Ireland Youth Panel, a programme that supports young people to engage with photography, visual culture and creative practice through workshops, events and collaborative projects. Drawing on her own experience as a young photographer, Laura brought a thoughtful and encouraging approach to the workshop, supporting participants to experiment with cyanotype and develop their ideas with confidence.
The session encouraged young people to think about photography beyond the camera, using personal objects, portraiture and composition to create original works that reflected their own ideas and identities. Each participant created unique blue prints to take home, gaining practical experience of a historic photographic process while experimenting with contemporary forms of self-expression.
When I Feel Blue reflects Photo Museum Ireland’s ongoing commitment to supporting young people’s creativity and expanding access to photographic culture. Through workshops, youth programmes and artist-led learning, the museum creates opportunities for young people to explore photography as both an artform and a powerful tool for storytelling, experimentation and connection.
We extend our thanks to the brilliant young photographers who took part, to workshop facilitator Laura Nadal, and to Youth Panel Facilitator and Photo Museum Ireland Education Officer Vita Ryan.
Cruinniú na nÓg is Ireland’s national day of free creativity for children and young people, presented by Creative Ireland in partnership with local authorities and supported by RTÉ.
