Bernd Hutschenreuther

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

The idea was born during the experiments later published in the volume PURE INSPIRATION #1 of Alternative Photography.

Pure Inspiration books

Pure Inspiration emerged unexpectedly from our Calendar & Journal event. The idea stemmed from a desire to preserve the beauty of entries beyond the year’s end. The theme, Composites, encouraged experimentation, resulting in stunning artworks that blended multiple techniques that seemed to spark creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a newcomer, this book will inspire you to explore alternative photography and unleash your own creativity.   Pure Inspiration #2: … Read more

Cyanotype printed in vaccuum sealed bag. The air pressure stiffens the bag when you remove the air, and the bag is not even. Put it in a frame behind glass when exposing to flatten it further.

Vacuum-Sealed Cyanotype Printing with Leaves

Bernd Hutschenreuther shares how he enhances cyanotype prints by using a vacuum-sealed bag to press leaves or other materials tightly against the paper, ensuring sharp detail. Inspired by Lothmann’s experiments, this technique is practical for achieving high precision in botanical cyanotypes. Writer and photography / Bernd Hutschenreuther The main benefit of using a vacuum-sealed bag for cyanotype printing is achieving sharp, high-detail prints by ensuring perfect contact between the object … Read more

Cover image by Libby Mournement

Sir John Herschel tribute journal

The Sir John Herschel tribute journal is a daily planner and contains both pre-defined pages and blank pages for you to plan your year. The templates are there to help you focus on your art projects as well as get a balance with work, home and everything else that happens in life. The journal is a tribute to Herschel, who gave us many of our beloved alt. processes such as … Read more

A 6 hour in-camera exposure.

In-Camera Cyanotype using the Two-bath Cyanotype

In this experiment Bernd Hutschenreuther explores the two-bath separate solutions process for cyanotype, similar to Sir John Herschel’s first method. A cyanotype image was created using a 6×9 cm folding camera with an extended exposure time due to weak winter sunlight. Writer and photography / Bernd Hutschenreuther Several attempts to make cyanotypes directly in the camera have been made and published here, both successful,  unsuccessful and a negative print cyanotype. … Read more

2 bath cyanotype print by Bernd Hutschenreuther

Two-Bath Cyanotype Process: A Minimalist Approach

Bernd Hutschenreuther shares his experiments with a two-bath cyanotype process—a rapid variation of the traditional method—using ammonium ferric citrate and potassium hexacyanidoferrate(III). The paper is coated, dried, and exposed to UV light before being developed in a red blood lye salt solution, causing the exposed areas to turn blue within seconds. A final rinse with water, optionally enhanced with hydrogen peroxide, refines the image. This minimalistic and efficient process closely … Read more

Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 3 - The collective research from artists on World Anthotype Day 2024

Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 3

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

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch) anthotype by Bernd Hutschenreuther

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch) anthotype by Bernd Hutschenreuther

“Passiflora leaves at Virgin Ivy” by Bernd Hutschenreuther, Dresden, Germany
Parts used: Berries
Amount: 8 ripe berries. There are different species looking very similar to vine. My plant has very small fruits. I had to wait until they were ripe; fortunately, it was a hot summer, so I got some ripe fruits. It is a flowering vine.
Extracted by: Boiling
Thinner: Tap water
Application: Brushing

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Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 2 - large cover to share

Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 2

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

Lumen print by Bernd Hutschenreuther

Bernd Hutschenreuther

Bernd Hutschenreuther, born in East Germany have been using pinhole cameras, cyanotypes, developing with caffenol and most recently lumen prints. From: Saxony, Dresden, Germany. Shows: Lumen prints. I was born in 1954 in Steinach, Thuringian Forest, East Germany. I took my first photos in 1960 with a Pouva Start camera. Photography has always fascinated me, although I also made more amateur films for a while. In school, I joined a … Read more