Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) anthotype by Debbie Bentley

“Flowers and Grasses” by Debbie Bentley, Wiggins, Colorado, USA
Parts used: Leaves
Amount: 8 cut stems from the plant in the greenhouse, which I grew from seed. I used the leaves I removed, weighing 41 grams
Extracted by: Boiled the leaves in water for 10 minutes, then soaked them in the hot water for another 10 minutes. I then crushed the drained leaves with a mortar
Solvent: 1/2 cup of 91% Alcohol
Application: Brushing

Layers: 2
Substrate: Hahnemühle Platinum Rag, 300 gsm cotton paper
Created with: Photogram with rose of Sharon blooms and grasses from my yard
Exposure: 12 hours in August, summer 2026
UV strength: 8-9
Temperature: 37° Celsius or 98° Fahrenheit
Humidity: 15%
Contrast: ✿ (Low)
Observations: This emulsion did not behave as I expected at all. Instead of the covered areas becoming darker with exposure, the paper with no photogram contact became darker, with the areas under the petals, etc. appearing white. (It did the same thing in a previous test.) In addition, the moisture in the flower centres literally bonded with the paper fibres! The areas underneath the grasses also became a light green. I have never seen anything quite like this, but I have to say, I love the image!
Instagram: @debbie_bentley_photography
Website: debbiebentleyphotography.net