Whats is a Daguerreotype, Cyanotype, and Gum Bichromate?

Daguerreotype:

A daguerreotype is a process that has been in place since the 1800's and uses a metal plate to give the photo a unique mirror image. This was the first announced photographic process. Invented by Louis Daguerre it used polished sheet of silver platted copper to a mirror finish. Depending on how it is lit it will have a light or dark background which is reflected in the metal. It was most popular in 1840- 1850 and many people had portraits done this way. Yet, this process was very expensive and used many intoxicating materials such as mercury, this is why many people preferred using the cyanotype process.

Cyanotype:

Sir John Herschel discovered this procedure in 1842. But, it was Anna Atkins ( the first female photographer), a British scientist, who brought the process into the realm of photography. She did this by creating series of cyanotypes and documenting them. Anna mostly documented ferns and other plants.  This process gives the picture a blue tint appearance and is still commonly used. It was also popular because it was a lot cheaper then the daguerreotype. This process used two chemicals; ammonium iron(lll) citrate and potassium ferricyanide.  

Gum Bichromate:

This is a 19th century photographic process where the photographer uses multiple layers throughout the photo. This process is based on light sensitivity and can print any color the photographer desires. This is a blend of mechanical constraints imposed by light and lens so you can show your expression through any painting or drawing. Overall leading into a beautiful image that has multiple colors.