2 Flowers & 4 Alternative photographic processes

 

This is a simple and experimental work that proposes observing, side by side, the differences between four alternative photographic processes based on direct solar exposure.

The starting point is the same in all cases: two Calla Lily flowers, carefully dried and pressed for one week. From this minimal gesture — repeating the same subject — each technique reveals a different reading of plant matter, time, and light.

While this specific experiment was done under the sun, many of these processes can also be explored using artificial light sources, which I use for my year-round practice.

 

Process 1 · Anthotype

Anthotype is one of the earliest photographic processes. In this case, the emulsion was made using turmeric powder and alcohol, applied directly onto the surface.

The exposure was carried out under intense sunlight for approximately 6 hours. The result is a positive image, where the plant-based pigment reacts directly to solar radiation.

Process 2 · Cyanotype

Cyanotype uses an emulsion composed of two photosensitive chemicals, applied to watercolor paper.

The exposure to strong sunlight lasted 20 minutes, producing a negative image. The deep blue tone characteristic of the process creates a strong contrast with the delicate silhouette of the flower.

 

Process 3 · Lumen

The lumen process is carried out on traditional photographic paper, often expired. Instead of using a camera, the plant material is placed directly onto the paper to obtain its silhouette.

The color variations that appear depend largely on the amount and condition of silver nitrate present in the paper, making each exposure unique and unrepeatable.

In this case, the Calla Lilies were exposed to direct sunlight for 2 hours.

 

Process 4 · Phytogram

For this process, the flowers are first immersed in an emulsion of sodium carbonate and vitamin C for approximately 24 hours, then the film or photographic paper is used.

The plant material is then exposed to intense sunlight for at least 2 hours. The result is not only a silhouette, but an image that reveals the internal structure and energy of the plant material, almost like a record of its vital imprint.

 

Conclusion

As you can see, the same two flowers can tell completely different stories depending on the light, the chemistry, and the time we give them. This exercise is a reminder that photography is not just about capturing a moment, but about collaborating with nature.

 

Which of these four processes resonated with you the most? Are you drawn to the deep blues of the Cyanotype or the organic textures of the Phytogram?