The initiative of World Anthotype Day was started here by us, and the first event took place 2022. This will now (hopefully with your support) be an annual event on the 3rd Saturday in August last Saturday in October. It is a global event, and everyone who is an experienced or aspiring anthotyper is invited to take part. The FIFTH World Anthotype Day will open in August. It seems like a … Read more
All you need to know about anthotypes – NOW AVAILABLE BOTH AS PAPERBACK, COILBOUND PAPERBACK and EBOOK! – expands the original publication into a more complete technical and educational reference. Building on several years of continued testing, teaching, and revision, this edition addresses chemical, material, and process-related questions that could not be fully covered in an introductory format. Edition 2 of the “how-to” book on anthotypes by Malin Fabbri … Read more
Can a wet anthotype last longer? Anthotypes are known for their delicate beauty and their temporary nature. Made from light-sensitive plant pigments, they gradually fade over time, making impermanence part of the process. But what happens if the emulsion is exposed while it is still wet instead of allowing it to dry first? In this article, Chilean artist María Piedad Aguirre compares dry with wet anthotypes. She explores how different … Read more
The anthotype process transforms everyday plants and food into beautiful, light-sensitive prints, but it is often slow and unpredictable. In this experiment, Mariam Matta set out to explore high-contrast, quick-exposure anthotype emulsions that could offer faster results without sacrificing detail. By testing a variety of plant pigments, alcohol thinners, and toners, she aimed to identify combinations that are both reliable and visually striking and shares the results in this article. … Read more
For EARLY BIRD sign up offer or questions, contact post@nordphotography.com The Alchemy of Sunlight DATES: June 1-6, 2027 LOCATION: Saga – Inderøy – Norway More info and sign up here Join Malin Fabbri, founder and editor of AlternativePhotography.com and author of several books on cyanotype, anthotype, and alternative photographic processes, for an exclusive week of learning, experimentation, and image-making in a small group setting. This intensive hands-on course combines studio … Read more
Ready to take your anthotype practice to the next level? Gabriele Coassin shares three years of in-depth experimentation, revealing little-known tips, seasonal tricks, and personal discoveries that go far beyond the basics. His shares findings from unexpected plant emulsions to innovative winter conservation methods. Writer and photography / Gabriele Coassin This article is for those who already know the basics of anthotypes. For beginners, read this article and there is … Read more
Want to learn anthotypes or dive deeper into the process, find inspiration, practical guidance, and new ideas? We’ve got the books for you. If you’re starting out, Anthotypes – Explore the Darkroom… is the essential how-to guide, and once you are ready to move on, Anthotypes – The complete guide… will get you stuck in. It walks you through every step of the process and offers extra insights for more … Read more
In the spirit of photographic experimentation, the “aloetype process” emerged from over a decade of creative inquiry into plant-based image-making. Aloe produces warm, tan-to-yellow negative images using just three simple ingredients: aloe, vinegar, and baking soda. It’s a mostly nontoxic, accessible process that works on a variety of absorbent surfaces, making it ideal for artists, educators, and alternative photography enthusiasts seeking sustainable, low-tech methods. Writer and photography / Ben Conway … Read more
The FIFTH World Anthotype Day will be taking place this year from 1st August to 31st October. We know that seems like a long time away, BUT… Don’t make the same mistake again, use a QUALITY paper and start EARLY! Writer and photography / Malin Fabbri ✿ Open: 1st August to 31st October. ✿ Free to enter, open to all. ✿ Mission: Find unusual emulsions ✿ See the entry requirements … Read more
Kathryn Reichert provides a step-by-step guide to extracting natural indigo pigment through fermentation, a process that can be used to create vibrant anthotypes later. Kathryn shares the science behind pigment transformation, key techniques for maximizing pigment quality, and practical tips for producing a rich, natural color for use across various artistic mediums. Writer and photography / Kathryn Reichert “My journey into pigment extraction began with a simple curiosity: I wanted … Read more
Barbara Almeida shows us that anthotype is a safe, cost-effective photographic technique ideal for schools, especially in Brazil with abundant plants and sunlight. Using organic materials like spirulina, it fosters creativity, nature connection, teamwork, and multidisciplinary learning in children. Will you do a workshop too? Writer / Barbara Almeida Photography / Karina Orquidia Anthotype is an interesting practice in schools, especially in Brazil, where there is a vast variety of … Read more
by Malin Fabbri Can you really use black beans to print a photograph? What about moss or mushrooms? Discover the anthotype process and follow artists who explore plants or pigments to create colourful eco-friendly prints. The third book in the series from World Anthotype Day Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 3 – The collective research from photographers on World Anthotype Day 2024. $18.00 Download eBook (PDF) directly. $28.00 Best paperback option. … Read more
Sugar paper, often used in schools, fades beautifully in sunlight, making it a quick and simple alternative to anthotypes for botanical prints. It offers even-toned, crisp results in various colours, though it may lack the detailed depth of traditional plant emulsions. Michelle Dobre shares how. Writer and photography / Michelle Dobre As an avid crafter and botanical print artist I’ve used various types of paper and cards to create beautiful … Read more
Gabriele Coassin shows how anthotypes employ vegetable juices on paper, exposed to sunlight similar to photograms. Techniques and exposure times vary with seasonal and regional conditions, impacting color intensity and the longevity of the resulting images. Writer and photography / Gabriele Coassin The Anthotype procedure at a glance The ABC of anthotype is basically simple: a natural vegetable juice, smeared on paper and exposed to the sun with an object … Read more
According to my research, it was Sir John Herschel who discovered the anthotype process and not Mrs Mary Somerville. As soon as I publish an article or text mentioning “Anthotype” and “Herschel”, I invariably get comments saying that it was Mrs Mary Somerville who “invented” the anthotype process. I have not seen any evidence of this in my research and share my findings here in chronological order. Writer / Malin … Read more
Printing with plants is growing in popularity since it is sustainable and easy to learn. Mike Ware gives us an overview of the difference between anthotypes, photosynthesis and chlorophyll printing. Writer and photography / Dr Mike Ware In January of 1839, the invention of photography was publicly announced, independently by Louis Daguerre using silver-plated metal sheets, and by William Henry Fox Talbot, using writing paper coated with silver salts. Within … Read more
by Malin Fabbri The second book in the series from World Anthotype Day “If you are looking for a resource of Anthotype emulsions, then this book is exactly what you need!” – Christopher Osborne, editor Silvergrain Classics Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 2 – The collective research from photographers on World Anthotype Day 2023. $18.00 Download eBook (PDF) directly. $22.00 Buy eBook (PDF for Kindle) from Amazon Kindle. Buy from Amazon.com … Read more
The Anthotype emulsion database is a collection of anthotypes that artists have contributed on World Anthotype Day. Find an emulsion for your anthotype and learn from other artists’ notes. The 2022 Book: Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 1 The 2023 Book: Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 2 The 2024 Book: Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 3 The 2025-2026 Book: Planned for autumn 2026 The mission of World Anthotype Day: Find unusual emulsions We are looking for … Read more
by Ana Solo Buy the book here – published by Ana Solo Forgotten Sounds – A Journey of Sustainable Art with Anthotypes and Sonic Exploration is a cross between an artist’s book and a short reference book where Ana Solo shows her art and talks about her process. No longer for sale here, contact Ana directly. A book from the Heart 4 Earth project. Format: eBook, 100 … Read more
Peter J. Blackburn reviews Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 1, and finds this springboard and resource alluring – and is eagerly awaiting the next volume. Writer / Peter J. Blackburn If ever there was a medium that best captured the soft, the gentle, and the ethereal, anthotypes would be among the champions. And those delicate qualities are clearly on display in Malin Fabbri’s new text, Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 1, which continues to … Read more