5 DAYS OF TIPS: Chlorophyll πΏ
Reader, the Chlorophyll π process step by step:β
β
- Selection of Leaf: Begin by selecting a suitable leaf. It should be large, flat, and without tears or insect damage. TIP: more mature leaves are preferable due to their denser chlorophyll content. Each plant specie will respond differently according to the quantity and quality of chlorophyll present. We have a free cheat-sheet you can download where we made a list of the most suitable species. Here some great plants for Chlorophyll:
- Preparation of Digital Positive: Choose any image and open it on an editing software like Photoshop or GIMP. Make it black and white and increase the contrast significantly. Print the image on transparency paper using an inkjet printer. We have an article on how to create digital transparencies (you will need a positive image, not a negative, so don't invert the image!)
- Contact Print Preparation: Create a sandwich with your leaf, transparency and a glass sheet. The transparency should be flat and in close contact with the leaf surface. Ensure that the emulsion side of the transparency is in contact with the leaf. TIP: if the leaf dries out too quickly, cut a portion of the stem and secure a bag of water to it.
- Exposure to Sunlight: Expose the leaf to direct sunlight. The exposure time can vary greatly depending on the intensity of sunlight and the thickness of the leaf, generally ranging between a few hours to several days. TIP: a bending printing frame should be employed in order to be able to check the progress of the exposure without moving the transparency.β
β
- The image appears: The image develops gradually as the sunlight causes the chlorophyll under the clear areas of the negative to bleach, leaving behind a unique print.
β
Do you want to master this process and 9+ more? β
β
βInside the Alternative Processes Academy, you'll find:β
ββ
ββ
Step-by-step tutorials on cyanotype, anthotype, caffenol, liquid emulsion and more! see the full curriculum here.
β
Expert guidance to refine your techniques and express your vision.
β
A vibrant community of like-minded artists to connect, collaborate, and inspire.β
ββ
βFor the next 5 DAYS, APA is 100β¬ OFF β
β
Alternative Processes
Wood Ash, Avocado & Sweet Potato π Happy Summer Solstice Reader!! π Did you know you can bleach cyanotype prints using wood ash ? I didn't know until someone told me so on instagram!! (If you are new to cyanotype or cyanotype toning, read this!) Why wood ash can bleach cyanotype πͺ΅ π΅ My Italian grandmother used to tell me that her mum washed clothes with ash during the war. The alkaline nature of the ash worked wonders, breaking down the oils and stains in the fabric, much like how modern...
Create prints using Spirulina and Matcha Reader, remember when we explored toning cyanotype with Matcha? Now, letβs dive into something new: creating anthotypes with Matcha and Spirulina! What is an Anthotype: It's a photographic print made using natural pigments from plantsβin this case, Matcha and Spirulina. These pigments are photosensitive and fade when exposed to light. from left to right: blueberry anthotype, turmeric anthotype , grass anthotype How to print with Matcha and Spirulina:...
Tips & tricks to get great images with expired film Reader, film photography is far from dead: it's thriving, but so is the cost of film. Shooting expired rolls is cheaper and can add an exciting twist to your photos. ποΈ What you should know: Expiration Date: Film typically expires two years after production but remains usable beyond that. Chemical Breakdown: Silver halides in the film react to light and lose sensitivity over time. Degradation: Expect faded colors, increased grain, and...