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Popular Photographic Print Processes: Platinum and Palladium Prints


Ancient Crypt Cellars in Provins, France.
Frederick Evans, photographer. Ancient Crypt Cellars in Provins, France, Platinum print, 1910.
LC-DIG-ppmsca-13704

Dates in general use: ca. 1873-ca. 1920

timeline ca. 1873-ca. 1920

Description: The platinum printing process was popular in the late 19th century. It used platinum and/or palladium salts instead of silver as the light sensitive material. These prints are characterized by their ability to reproduce a long scale of tonal values. It is a very permanent image, and was highly valued for this reason. Later the process was appreciated more for its aesthetic qualities, and became favored among art photographers. It is usually characterized by soft, gray tonalities, but it is possible to change the color of the print during development or by toning the finished print.

Further information and examples


View Photographic Print Processes Introduction and Table of Contents

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  August 30, 2011
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