The Platinotype
Invented in 1874, the platinum-palladium print is one of the earliest photographic techniques to produce a permanent image. Due to its two noble metal components, which do not oxidize, platinum and palladium prints are considered today the most archival printing method. Platinum prints from the 19th century held in museum collections remain intact in contrast and detail resolution to this day. At the time, platinum prints were so popular that pre-coated platinum paper was even produced industrially.
Unlike conventional photographic printing methods such as inkjet or silver gelatin, the image-forming material in this process does not sit layered on top of the paper but is embedded within the cellulose structure itself. This results in a matte surface and uniquely soft tonal transitions. Moreover, the paper cannot be purchased pre-made by machine; it must first be hand-coated with a homemade sensitizer. The now light-sensitive paper is then pressed together with a negative the same size as the final print, before being exposed to a UV light source to create the final image. The entire process of making a single print takes an entire day from start to finish.
