The RPS Women in Photography group is delighted to support Malin Fabbri of AlternativePhotography.com in sharing her inspiring project, World Anthotype Day. As advocates for creativity, experimentation, and accessible photographic processes, we’re excited to take part and help spread the word about this unique celebration of plant-based image-making.
Whether you're already experimenting with alternative processes or are completely new to them, World Anthotype Day is a brilliant opportunity to have a go, connect with others, and create something beautiful using only light, paper, and nature.
World Anthotype Day: Where Sunlight Meets Storytelling
What if your next photograph could be made not with chemicals or pixels, but with spinach, beetroot, or flower petals? That’s the wonder of anthotypes—a historic, plant-based photographic process that’s finding fresh life through a modern global celebration: World Anthotype Day.
Now in its fourth year, World Anthotype Day invites artists, photographers, and experimental creators from around the world to try their hand at this gentle process, which was first invented in the 1840s by Sir John Herschel. Anthotypes rely on pigments extracted from plants and exposure to sunlight to create images on paper. The process is slow and delicate—but also endlessly creative.
No chemicals. No darkroom. Just plants, paper, and patience.
Founded in 2022 by Malin Fabbri, editor of AlternativePhotography.com, the initiative has grown into a vibrant annual event with a clear mission: to build the largest public database of anthotype emulsions. This free and growing resource is made possible by the contributions of artists from over 30 countries who each year experiment with new plants and techniques—and share their results with the world.
“There’s something magical about it,” says Fabbri, who first became captivated by anthotypes in 2008. “You’re working with the sun and the seasons, and with each print, you discover something new.”
This year’s entries showcase the extraordinary range of colours and plants that can be used. From deep pinks created with flaming Katy flowers, to greens made from ground elder, to oranges from red orache, and even blues from Siberian squill—the results are as varied as nature itself.
Artists are encouraged to experiment with unusual plants and help expand the emulsion database. There’s no official theme, just one unifying idea: explore, experiment, and contribute.
Submissions are open until 25 October 2025, but even if you don’t participate this year, the gallery is available online for everyone to enjoy—and there will be another chance next year.
With World Anthotype Day, the celebration doesn’t end when the day does. It’s an ongoing collaboration between creatives and nature, where every leaf and bloom has the potential to become a photograph—and every photograph tells a story made of sunlight.
Visit www.AlternativePhotography.com/world-anthotype-day to explore the gallery, contribute, or plan your own plant-based print for this or next year.
Whether you're already experimenting with alternative processes or are completely new to them, World Anthotype Day is a brilliant opportunity to have a go, connect with others, and create something beautiful using only light, paper, and nature.
Become an RPS Women in Photography member
If you are not an RPS Women in Photography group member, we invite you to join our community of passionate photographers. By becoming a member, you can participate in exciting competitions, gain exposure through features in our prestigious WE ARE Magazine, and enjoy numerous other exclusive benefits.
We extend a warm welcome to photographers of all backgrounds and experience levels.
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