Pedro Mendes Leal

The final vertotype print with subtle tones.

Vertotypes – Eco-printing, based on cyanotypes

During a residency at The Sustainable Darkroom, Pedro Mendes Leal learned Vertotype – a technique discovered by Jonathan Bradley,  similar to cyanotype, but developed with greater environmental awareness. Since then, he has been experimenting with and refining the process and shares what he has learned. Writer and photography / Pedro Mendes Leal Read the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) before attempting to use chemicals and use the correct safety equipment. What … 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

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

Pure insspiration volume 1 cover

Pure Inspiration, volume 1: Composites

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 1 … Read more

The cover is a collage composed of a photogravure layered with anthotype, cyanotype and kallitype by Jen Perena.

Composites journal – alternative processes

The composites of alternative photographic processes 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.   Composites journal – A fusion of moments, visions and techniques from 60 artists Inspirational journal featuring … Read more

Cyanoroid camera pan

Making a cyanotype multi-exposure camera

Is it even possible to make a cyanotype camera? Pedro Leal shares how to make a cyanotype camera that takes several instantaneous cyanotypes in one image. Writer and photography / Pedro Leal Read the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) before attempting to use chemicals and use the correct safety equipment. I made walking into an aesthetic project, and I register the experiences through drawings, and visualise images accompanied by thoughts, which … Read more

Cyanotype in the mail

You’ve got mail! An unusual cyanotype project by Pedro Leal

I received a letter. You know one of those that comes through the mailbox. An undeveloped cyanotype in a transparent envelope. Interview with Pedro Leal about his cyanotype mail project “Time Today”. Photography / Pedro Leal During my 23 years as an editor of AlternativePhotography.com, I have had some unusual things sent to me, and this was one of them. Pedro Leal is doing a project where he coats and … Read more

Cyanotype by Pedro Leal

Pedro Mendes Leal

Pedro Mendes Leal, a photographer and artist from Western Europe, explores the limits of representation, questioning humanity’s relationship with nature, society, and art. His work draws from the sea, sun, and memory. From: Lisbon, Portugal. Shows: A vertotype and cyanotypes. Pedro Mendes Leal (Lisbon, 1966) is a visual artist whose artistic practice lies somewhere between process and representation, exploring the relationships between nature, human beings and memory. He is passionate … Read more

Anna Atkins tribute journal 2024 - Week starting Monday

Anna Atkins Journal – beautiful cyanotype journal

The Anna Atkins 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.   Anna Atkins tribute journal Anna Atkins tribute journal featuring 60 beautiful cyanotypes in honour of Anna Atkins. The … Read more