“Snake-protected dune” by Alan Harvey, Tybee Island, Georgia, USA
Parts used: Leaves
Amount: Probably only around 10 grams used for this print (out of a 60-gram batch)
Extracted by: Soaking overnight
Solvent: Isopropyl alcohol
Application: Brushing
Layers: 5
Substrate: Fabriano Bristol paper, 280 gms
Created with: Positive on Apollo, laser transparency
Exposure: 1 hour in October, autumn 2026
UV strength: 5, in full sunlight
Temperature: 13-15° Celsius or 55-60° Fahrenheit
Humidity: 50-60%
Contrast: ✿✿ (Medium)
Challenges or observations: Smilax species can have wicked spines. But, it was easy to process and by far the fastest anthotype material I have tried. Given the short exposure time, under mild fall conditions no less, I expect the print would fade rapidly if exposed to sunlight.
Additional information: This print is part of An Awkward Relationship, a project that was supported by the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s Artists, Writers and Scholars Program, with funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Instagram: @alanwharvey
Facebook: facebook.com/alan.harvey.522
Website: https://w3.georgiasouthern.edu/BioDirectory/awh_portfolio.html
Greenbrier, lanceleaf (Smilax smallii) and Greenbrier, bristly (Smilax tamnoides) anthotype by Alan Harvey
This anthotype is part of World Anthotype Day
World Anthotype Day - celebrated annually since 2022 was started by AlternativePhotography.com. Our global community of artists celebrates the anthotype process by submitting prints. These works are added to our database here and compiled into reference books. The purpose is to build a large resource where artist can learn which pigments and plants work and draw inspiration from others. The reference books can be found here:
Volume 1 is the first book in the series:
Volume 1 contains 60 unique anthotype emulsions from 103 artists taking part from 31 countries.
Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 1 – The collective research from photographers on World Anthotype Day 2022
Volume 2 is the second book:
Volume 2 contains 100 unique anthotype emulsions from 139 artists taking part from 31 countries.
Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 2 – The collective research from photographers on World Anthotype Day 2023
Volume 3 is the third book:
Volume 3 pushes the boundaries with emulsions not only from plants and pigments, but also from beans, moss and mushrooms. 135 artists shared their research.
Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 3 – The collective research from photographers on World Anthotype Day 2024
Volume 4 will be the fourth book:
In Volume 4 we will combine entries from both 2025 and 2026 into one beautiful double edition to include even more inspiring work, insights, and pigments to explore. The release for the combined World Anthotype Day book is planned for November 2026 – a richer, more comprehensive collection worth the wait.
Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 4 – The collective research from photographers on World Anthotype Day 2025 and 2026
If you want to learn more about making anthotypes there is also the first "how-to" book:
Make prints using plants - an environmentally safe process!The first book solely dedicated to Anthotypes.
Anthotypes – Explore the darkroom in your garden and make photographs using plants
Rated 9,8 - based on 224 votes
And also the Complete Guide and How-To book:
Learn everything there is to know about anthotypes in the updated edition 2 of our popular How-To book.The extended and complete guide to Anthotypes.
Anthotypes - The Complete Guide to Making Photographs with Plants and Sunlight
If you are already practising anthotype printing, we suggest making notes to document and learn:
50 pre-defined pages for you to document your anthotype process.
Anthotype notes – Document your anthotype process
Rated 10 - based on 8 votes
Looking for a good paper to use?
The Massive Paper chart
85+ papers tested in the argyrotype, chrysotype, cyanotype, palladium, salted paper and vandyke brown process.Pure Inspiration = A cross between learning and inspiration
Pure Inspiration #2: COLOUR
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Pure Inspiration #1: COMPOSITES
A fusion of moments and visions from artists working in alternative photographic processes – featuring 90+ inspirational alternative photographic processes images. Highly creative!Our 25th anniversary book
Alternative Photography: Art and Artists, Edition 2
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World Anthotype Day
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