Photographic Processes: 1839 – 1889

GELATIN PRINTING OUT PAPER (gelatin POP), 1885-1920s

Silver-based paper positive with gelatin as binder to contain light sensitive materials

The image of gelatin printing out paper is “printed out” with the paper in direct and tight contact with the negative, as is the case with albumen paper and salted paper. However, the paper is coated with a thin white “baryta” layer to smooth the surface, resulting in better image definition. The light sensitive gelatin/silver halide layer is coated onto the baryta paper in a mechanical process like that used with dry plate negatives.

Charles Burlingame Waite. Gelatin Printing Out Paper, ca. 1890. [zoom]
5 x 8 in.

By the late 19th century, photographers were no longer burdened by cumbersome equipment and chemicals. The ease and speed of the new photographic processes meant that anyone could now take pictures quickly in the field and capture snapshots of everyday life.

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