The Magic of Phytograms: Creating Imaginary Flora with Plants and Light.

What is a Phytogram? Materials and Process

This alternative photography technique was created by the incredible artist and filmmaker Karel Doing. It consists of dipping plant material into a mixture of Vitamin C, sodium carbonate, and water. This material is then placed onto black and white film and exposed for several hours to sunlight or—as I personally love to do—under full-spectrum LED grow lights.

To finish, the film is washed and fixed. While a commercial fixer is commonly used, I prefer using a bit of salt.

Plant Material and Natural Pigments

All types of plant material can be used. The energy within each internal structure is what varies the final result; for instance, some seaweeds, certain fruits, and even fungi can enhance colors like black and gold.

Flowers and petals also provide color variations. It is even possible to incorporate plant matter with natural pigments or dyes rich in polyphenols, such as yerba mate, mint, or "quebracho colorado".

Artistic Approach 

The process results in negatives that are generally scanned using a light box.

I am passionate about using this technique to blend existing plant structures, transforming them into a new, imaginary flora: powerful yet delicate and ghostly.

If you would like to see more from my collection of imaginary gardens titled "The Unknown Flora," you can visit it here: The Unknown Flora Collection.