Mac Cosgrove-Davies

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

DIY Contact Printing Frames for Alt Photo

Contact printing frames are essential tools in alternative photographic processes such as cyanotype, platinum/palladium, gum bichromate, and more. The processes rely on materials with low light sensitivity, and direct contact between a negative and the sensitized paper, usually under UV light. Paige Billin-Frye and Mac Cosgrove-Davies explore a range of contact printing frame options, from simple DIY solutions using household materials to more advanced, purpose-built frames. Whether you’re a beginner … Read more

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

Mac Cosgrove-Davies is a self-taught photographer specializing in historic processes like gum bichromate, cyanotype, and wet plate since 1978. He teaches at Photoworks, Glen Echo Park, and has work in the Smithsonian and Library of Congress. From: Arlington, Virginia, USA Shows: Carbon prints, Cyanotypes (also hand-coloured), Gum bichromate, Oil prints and Tintypes. Mac Cosgrove-Davies is a self-taught photographer who since 1978 has been practising historic photographic processes including gum bichromate, … Read more

Build a DIY UV Light Box for Alternative Photography for Home or Classroom

A dependable UV light source is essential for many alternative photographic processes, especially when sunlight isn’t available. Paige Billin-Frye and Mac Cosgrove-Davies share two practical, easy-to-build designs – one made from an IKEA coffee table, the other a purpose-built portable box. Both are affordable, effective, and ideal for processes like cyanotype, gum bichromate, and platinum printing. Writer and photography / Paige Billin-Frye and Mac Cosgrove-Davies An ultraviolet (UV) light source … Read more