“Patience” by Caroline Walshe, County Roscommon, Ireland
Parts used: Whole plant
Amount: 2 very big handfuls
Extracted by: Simmered for several hours and left to sit for a day
Solvent: Rainwater
Application: Dipping and soaking for a few hours
Layers: 1
Substrate: Fabriano artistico paper, 300 gms
Created with: Photogram using black card shapes
Exposure: 7 weeks in September-October, 2026
UV strength: Weak Irish sun at max 3!
Temperature: 7-20° Celsius or 45-68° Fahrenheit
Humidity: 85-90%
Contrast: ✿ (Low)
Challenges or observations: The exposure was very long, but the resulting print seems to be more light-fast as a result. In some places, the exposed emulsion has darkened, while in others it has lightened, which I found interesting.
Additional information: Heather, or Ling or Fraoch Mór as it is known here, is a very common plant on acid soils and bogs in Ireland. I was using it to dye fleece and yarn, and it produced such a lovely bright yellow that I wondered if it would work for an anthotype. The colour was much darker on the paper than on the bright yellow wool.
Instagram: @makermagpie
Website: www.makermagpie.com
Heather, common (Calluna vulgaris) anthotype by Caroline Walshe
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
- Buy eBook directly from us (best price)
- Buy hardcover or buy paperback from Lulu (best price)
- Buy from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk - coming on the 15th of June
- See ALL PRINT options and more info
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
- Buy eBook directly from us (best price)
- Buy standard paperback or premium hardcover from Lulu (best price)
- Buy from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
- See ALL PRINT options and more info here
World Anthotype Day
World Cyanotype Day