Notebooks

Many alternative photographic processes involve experimentation. We try different papers, plants, exposure times, developers, toners, additives, weather conditions, and countless other variables. It is part of the fun.

The problem is that a few weeks or months later, it can be difficult to remember exactly what we did, at least for me!

I have put together four notebooks that I use and would like to share them. Not because note-taking is exciting, but because I find documenting my work is an easy way to learn. It helps me understand why a print succeeded or failed. It also makes it easier to repeat a result when I create something I like.

Anthotypes are probably the process where I most often wish I had written things down. With long exposure times (days or weeks), it is easy to forget what I did by the time the print is finished. Which plants did I use? How many coats? Where did I expose it?
Having notes means I can repeat the result, and also have the information needed to participate in World Anthotype Day. Win-win.
Room to document 50 prints.

Cyanotype Notes is for documenting cyanotypes made with negatives, photograms, or any other classic or new cyanotype. There are more variables than we realise – paper, chemicals used, coating methods, exposure times, washing, toning, and more. Recording them helps build a reference you can return to when something works particularly well.

Wet cyanotypes are playful but unpredictable. For me, it is also one of the hardest processes to remember afterwards. By documenting, I have learned to “read” the finished print to see where I did what.
I sketch the print in the notebook and mark where I added different additives. I write down what was added where. It is the only practical way I can remember what happened and learn from the results.

Lumen printing can involve a lot of testing, and photographic paper is not cheap.
Keeping notes can help reduce trial and error and make better use of the paper. Record which paper was used and the conditions it was exposed. I tend to forget those details down the line.
The notebook contains 50 pre-designed pages for documenting Lumen, Cyanolumen, Chemilumen and Phytogram printing.

Whether you use our notebooks to keep detailed records or your own, I find documenting your process is one of the best ways to learn, reflect, and develop skills.