Photosynthesis photography: Making images with living plant leaves

2023-08-27

[public] 93.5K views, 8.14K likes, dislikes audio only

How to make photographs using plant leaves: the technique, examples, f/0.5 camera lens construction, and tips & tricks that I learned along the way.

Inspiration for this project came from a 1970's video made by The Royal Institution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2JTiAASdyw

Starch formation refs: https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/329993

https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/50820500/GPRG/2022PulicationsandSummaries/2022_Photosynthetic%20responses%20of%20greenhouse%20ornamentals%20to%20interaction%20of%20irradiance%20CO2%20and%20temperature.pdf

Video describing inkjet printed photomasks: /youtube/video/bR9EN3kUlfg

A different technique to make leaf prints: https://www.alternativephotography.com/chlorophyll-prints/

Video from Alpha Phoenix on making photos with cyanotype: /youtube/video/ewQQX3fxQKk

Ray optics simulator: https://phydemo.app/ray-optics/

Giant tweezers: https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Tweezers-Anti-slip-Aquascape-Maintenance/dp/B07LDLWJMM/

Anhydrous ethanol: https://www.extractohol.net/1gal-200-proof-pure-food-grade-ethyl-alcohol

Hanging basket geranium plant: https://www.lowes.com/pd/2-Gallon-Multicolor-Geranium-in-Hanging-Basket-L5450/1000151713

Methanol toxicity: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methanol_toxicity https://sci-hub.se/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccc.2012.07.002 Skin absorption in a quantity high enough to be a problem is rare, according to this.

Support Applied Science on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AppliedScience