Swap It Like It’s Hot: Green Photography with Monica Paez Espinosa

​Ever heard of anthotype printing? It’s a plant-based photography technique that uses crushed flowers, natural dyes, sunlight and time (lots of it!). And the results? Delicate, living artworks that shift and fade, just like nature.

​In this month’s Swap It Like It’s Hot, Monica Paez Espinosa will introduce us to green photography through her work and process. She’ll walk us through everything from picking the right plants, crushing them, extracting dyes, preparing the paper, mixing colours, and patiently waiting for the sun to do its work.

​Monica recently exhibited her project Evolution of Resources in the Galápagos Islands, and now she’s bringing her passion for sustainable image-making to our community. Whether you’re into photography, plants, or just curious about how art and climate can come together, this one’s for you.

​Monica began her photography practice at a young age and became a certified professional in 2019 through the New York Institute of Photography. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Photography and Audiovisual Arts. In 2023, she was shortlisted for Photographers Without Borders’ Protecting the Sacred Open Call and contributed to the World Anthotype catalogues (2022–2024). Her work Maternity was featured in Artist, Mother, Proud & Serious Vol. 2 by Women United Art Movement. Since 2022, she has been researching cyanotype to visualise climate change in the Galapagos, using art as a tool for scientific reflection.