Platinum/Palladium Print
The platinum-palladium process is one of the most revered alternative photographic printing methods, celebrated for its rich tonal range, subtle gradations, and permanence. Developed in the late 19th century, it differs from silver-based printing in that the image is made up of platinum and palladium metals embedded directly into the paper fibers rather than sitting on the surface.
To make a print, the paper is hand-coated with a solution containing light-sensitive iron salts along with platinum and palladium salts. Once dried, a negative is placed in direct contact with the paper and exposed to ultraviolet light. The light reduces the iron salts, which in turn reduce the noble metal salts to pure platinum and palladium.
After exposure, the print is developed and cleared in a series of chemical baths, leaving an image composed of platinum and palladium particles that are chemically stable and will not fade over time.
The resulting photographs are admired for their exceptional depth, smooth tonal transitions, and velvety matte surface. Depending on the balance of platinum and palladium used, prints can range from cool, neutral grays to warm, softly glowing browns.
The platinum-palladium process is one of the most revered alternative photographic printing methods, celebrated for its rich tonal range, subtle gradations, and permanence. Developed in the late 19th century, it differs from silver-based printing in that the image is made up of platinum and palladium metals embedded directly into the paper fibers rather than sitting on the surface.
To make a print, the paper is hand-coated with a solution containing light-sensitive iron salts along with platinum and palladium salts. Once dried, a negative is placed in direct contact with the paper and exposed to ultraviolet light. The light reduces the iron salts, which in turn reduce the noble metal salts to pure platinum and palladium.
After exposure, the print is developed and cleared in a series of chemical baths, leaving an image composed of platinum and palladium particles that are chemically stable and will not fade over time.
The resulting photographs are admired for their exceptional depth, smooth tonal transitions, and velvety matte surface. Depending on the balance of platinum and palladium used, prints can range from cool, neutral grays to warm, softly glowing browns.
