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In the age of digital technologies, when images can be obtained instantly, ancient printing methods acquire special importance. They take us back to an era where photography was real art and each – print is a unique result of the interaction of light, chemistry and craftsmanship. These techniques have been used since the 19th century and today are experiencing a real revival among analog photography enthusiasts.
Let's immerse ourselves in the world of ancient photographic processes, which still fascinate with their aesthetics.
Albumin printing – photo on egg white
In the middle of the 19th century, the most popular way of creating photos was albumin printing, developed by the 1850 by Louis Desiree Blancard-Evrard. He used egg white (albumin), which provided images glossy shine and high detail.
How was albumin printing created?
- Paper was covered egg white mixed with salt.
- After drying, it was immersed in silver nitrate solution for light sensitivity.
- The negative was applied and exposed under sunlight.
Features of the method:
- A glossy surface that resembles lacquered picture
- Very clear image from warm brown or golden shade
- Used for portraits and artistic photography
Platinum printing – aristocratic luxury photography
Platinum printing (Platinum Print) – is one of the most expensive, but at the same time the most sophisticated, methods of photographic printing. It was popular at the end of the 19th – and the beginning of the 20th century and was used by great photographers such as Edward Weston i Alfred Stiglitz.
Why is platinum printing so valuable?
- Unsurpassed detail <TAG1> platinum penetrates the paper, creating soft shadow transitions
- High archival quality <TAG1> platinum prints do not burn out or turn yellow
- Unique matte texture <TAG1> without the characteristic shine of silver photos
Process for creating platinum prints:
- Paper is covered a mixture of platinum and palladium salts.
- Contact exposed with negative under ultraviolet light.
- Manifested in a special solution –, the image is manifested in deep gray-black or brown tones.
Disadvantages: the process is expensive, time-consuming, but the result is – a real work of art.
Gum Arabic printing – when photography becomes painting
This experimental method was popularized by pictorialist photographers at the end of the 19th century. He allowed to get effect of watercolor or pastel painting.
How does gum arabic printing work?
- Paper is covered a mixture of Arabic rubber, pigment and potassium dicomate.
- Exposed under negative in the sun or UV lamp.
- Wash with water – the undissolved rubber emulsion remains, forming the image.
Why is it interesting?
- Artistic softness of tones <TAG1> picture-like effect
- Ability to print color photos
- Each print is unique
Van Dyke printing – vintage sepia
This process is based on use salts of iron and silver, which give characteristic brown ("sepia") shade.
How is a van Dyke print created?
- The paper is impregnated ammonium iron citrate and silver
- Exhibited under sunlight with negativity
- Wash in water and fix with sodium thiosulfate solution
What is interesting about this method?
- Warm, soft shades of sepia
- Lightweight technology available for home repetition
- Real retro effect
Why experiment with ancient printing methods?
- Uniqueness: Each print is unique – no two results are exactly the same.
- Artistic approach: It's more than just photography – is a manual labor that combines craft and creativity.
- Vintage aesthetics: Shades, textures and effects that cannot be reproduced by digital means.
- An alternative approach to photography: Back to the leaks when every frame mattered.
Vintage printing methods – is an opportunity to experience photography in a completely different way, creating pictures that look like they came to us from the past, but at the same time remain timeless.
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