Popular Photographic Print Processes:
Platinum and Palladium Prints
Frederick Evans, photographer. Ancient Crypt
Cellars in Provins, France,
Platinum print, 1910.
LC-DIG-ppmsca-13704 |
Dates in
general use: 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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