In the world of alternative photography, anthotypes are perhaps the most poetic and sustainable technique of all. They are created using just plant-based pigments and sunlight, requiring no harmful chemicals, fixers, or expensive materials. As both an art form and a meditative process, anthotypes invite you to slow down, experiment, and connect directly with the natural world.
What Is an Anthotype?
An anthotype (from the Greek anthos, meaning flower) is a photographic image made by coating paper or fabric with a natural dye derived from plants, then exposing it to sunlight with a stencil or photographic transparency. The UV light gradually fades the exposed areas, leaving an image behind in the unexposed pigment.
The process was first introduced by Sir John Herschel in 1842, the same scientist who developed the cyanotype. Yet, while cyanotypes use iron salts, anthotypes are completely non-toxic and 100% biodegradable, making them one of the greenest ways to create photographic images.
How to Make an Anthotype
Materials You’ll Need:
- A light-sensitive plant material (like spinach, turmeric, beetroot, or berries)
- A blender or mortar and pestle
- Paper or fabric (preferably natural and uncoated)
- A paintbrush or sponge
- A photographic transparency or flat object (like leaves or lace)
- A glass frame or contact printing frame
- Sunlight (lots of it!)
Steps:
- Extract the Pigment
Blend your plant material with a bit of water or alcohol. Strain it to remove pulp, leaving only liquid dye. - Coat Your Surface
Evenly apply the dye to paper or fabric. Let it dry in the dark. - Assemble the Print
Place your stencil or image transparency on top of the coated surface. Sandwich everything under glass. - Expose to Sunlight
Leave your print in direct sunlight for hours or days, depending on your pigment and UV intensity. The longer the exposure, the stronger the image. - Remove the Stencil
Once satisfied, remove the top layer. The image is formed by the differential fading of pigment.
Note: Anthotypes are not fixed and will fade over time—best stored away from light or digitised for preservation.
Best Plants for Anthotypes
Here are a few pigments that yield striking results:
- Turmeric – Bright yellow (fast exposure)
- Beetroot – Deep red to pink
- Spinach – Pale green (fades quickly, but fun)
- Red cabbage – Purples and blues
- Blackberries/Blueberries – Deep purples (moderate contrast)
Each plant behaves differently—some are more light-sensitive than others, and the final tone depends on exposure time, ph, and material.
Why Choose Anthotypes?
- Completely sustainable and biodegradable
- Use food scraps, garden waste, or foraged plants
- Involves no chemicals, toxic waste, or fixers
- Offers a slow, meditative creative process
- Great for artists, educators, and nature lovers
Final Thoughts
Anthotypes are less about sharp detail and permanence and more about the joy of process, experimentation, and connection to nature. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer looking for a sustainable medium or just someone who loves creative exploration, anthotypes are a magical way to make art with the sun.
Rachel Bakewell 