Anthotypes

Anthotypes are a very easy to understand process using sunlight and photo sensitive material to create images on paper.this link is a great introduction and background to the process itself, (http://www.alternativephotography.com/wp/processes/anthotypes/anthotype-process) In this experiment, the photosensitive material is the variable, and we are varying mixtures and plant matters to see which blend yields the best results in a prolonged exposure of sunlight. For example, one person in the group could use spinach, puree it, and apply it as a the photo sensitive material. In our experiment, each member of the group took a different berry or vegetable and created a wash with it to coat the paper. We then each took this wash and did a sample with just denatured alcohol added, and another with distilled water and denatured alcohol added to the veggie wash. More specifically, we used 40ml. of juice on the first sample, 40ml. juice and 20 alcohol on the secnond, and for the third add 10ml. of water to the previous formula. My specific organic matter was beet juice. Extracted from the beet, the juice is a dark red and penetrating natural stain that I hypothesized to have great photosensitive qualities. Each sample page gets two coats and dries fully between each coat. The image itself will be of a three leaf clover take from one of my house plants. Once these were attached to the treated papers, I taped them to the window of my apartment which on the 4th floor of an apartment building. Each day I estimate these anthotypes get roughly 7 to 8 hours direct sunlight (on a sunny day). They will stay in that spot for 7 weeks of exposure to sunlight. The three pieces have been attached to the window now for a little over two weeks. So for this is little notable difference which comes as a surprise to me seeing as beet juice is such a strong stain. It is hard to compare the three so far because each are yielding the same results thus far. I still predict that the alcohol and beet juice mixture will yield the best results for a successful anthotype. Next, I would assume the pure beet juice would bring as good results. I don't hold much hope for the water mixture however, given that your are just diluting a stronger mixture. I do not believe water adds to the photo sensitivity of the coating. Posted are photos of the experiment thus far. (still trying to get good shots.)