Phytogram Process

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Analogue photography’s environmental impact stems primarily from chemical waste, water use and energy consumption associated with developing and printing. Sustainable methods, such as phytography, is a chemical-free process that decreases electricity and water consumption by utilizing natural sunlight and sea water instead of using traditional darkrooms, and produces almost no waste minimizing the ecological footprint. 

Unlike traditional photography, this process is child friendly and no protective safety equipment is needed.
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​PHYTOGRAM STEPS 

1: EXPOSURE
  • flora and foliage as photographic “negatives” 
  • expose in natural sunlight

2: DEVELOP
  • soak in a handmade developer using plant leaves, vitamin c, and washing soda

​3: FIX
  • leave in a bath of salt water to make the image permanent
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Phytogram of forget-me-not flower on 16mm film


PROCESS IMAGES
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darkroom paper laid out before banana leaf exposure with banana leaf developer in tray
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exposure in process, photo paper under banana leaves
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swatch testing banana leaf exposures
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detail of printed banana leaf in banana leaf developer