General alternative processes

Pure inspiration volume 2 and typewriter

Pure Inspiration, volume 2: Colour – Got yours yet?

Discover how 140+ artists bring colour to traditionally monochrome processes. This book explores pigments, chemistry, layering, and experimentation through real working examples. From anthotypes and cyanotypes to hand-coloured, gum bichromates, and hybrids, each print includes insights into methods and creative choices. A rich source of both inspiration and practical learning.   Pure Inspiration #2: Colour “Both the Pure Inspiration books are must-haves at the very least in digital form, not … Read more

Birthday cards by Kathleen Mumma, Amy Heller, Anne Guest and Ralph Rinke

We’re celebrating our 26th Anniversary!

It will be our birthday again! We are now 26 (!!!) years old. It’s hard to believe we’ve been here for 26 years – happy birthday to us, AND to you! A big thank you to our long-time supporters, members, authors, moderators, teachers, artists, contributors, volunteers and co-lab partners. And, a warm welcome to our 80,000+ weekly visitors! Over the years, we’ve built a thriving community: ✨ 900+ how-to articles … Read more

Calendar event – now closed for entries: Introduce colour into monochrome processes (open again 2027 with new theme)

Inviting you to our next challenge: Colour! Join our Calendar Event – open for entries now, see them all here. Each year, members unite around a theme to celebrate alternative photographic processes, fostering creativity and community. Past themes have included tributes to Anna Atkins (2023) and Sir John Herschel (2025), as well as creative challenges such as Composites (2024) and Colour (in 2026). This members-only event encourages experimentation and sharing. … Read more

Apply the slats to the back and secure with clamps

How to Build a Split-Back Printing Frame for Contact printing

A reliable contact printing frame is essential for anyone working with alternative photographic processes. While commercial printing frames can be costly, making your own is both affordable and practical. This DIY split-back printing frame is from Ralph Rinke and designed for consistent pressure, easy inspection during exposure, and customizable size. Using basic materials such as hardboard, glass, and spring clamps, this guide walks you through each step to build a … Read more

The graph shows the values read from a print test with average spikes of a 256 step tablet.

Water flow as a cause of spikes in development

Paolo Saccheri continues his research on Spikes in Development. Paolo explores how water flow during print washing can cause density spikes that impact calibration in alternative photography. His experiments demonstrate that higher water flow near print edges leads to uneven density, affecting image quality. Writer and graphics / Paolo Saccheri This is for experienced and advanced users. Empirical observations for scientific enquiry, knowledge and improvement in Alternative Photography What are … Read more

MSDS – Medical Safety Data Sheets for alternative photographic processes

Try avoiding hazardous chemicals, but if/when you use them take extreme care, work in well-ventilated areas, wear appropriate protective gear and clothing, do not eat or drink near your workspace and keep away from children and pets. We have listed chemicals and Medical Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemicals relating to alternative photographic processes. This is in no way a complete list. Make sure you look up chemicals before using … Read more

what is alternative photography?

What is Alternative Photography? Interpretations of the term

The term Alternative Photography can be interpreted in many ways. The question “What do you consider to be ‘Alternative Photography’?” in the DAP (Dutch Alternative Photography) survey, sparked controversy on the subject and provided a basis for a debate between alternative and Analogue Photography organizations held at the Revela-T festival on 20th June 2015. Here is a summary of the discussion. Writer / An Zuriel Alternative Photography as a term … Read more

brushcoating, rod coating, dip coating

Coating paper by floating, rod or brush

The three most common ways of coating emulsion onto paper are floating the paper, using a coating rod, or brushing it on. An extract from the book Alternative Photography Processes.

Health and safety procedures

Health and safety procedures: The most important information you can have about these processes is in this area, it could stop you becoming sensitized to the chemicals, getting sick or even save your life.

printing preparations

Preparations for iron-based printing

The equipment, materials and handling procedures you will need for the three iron-based processes – new cyanotype, argyrotype and platino-palladiotype.