1.7 Gelatin dry plate process
6 min read•august 21, 2024
The process revolutionized photography in the 1870s. It introduced pre-prepared, stable photosensitive materials that could be stored for extended periods. This marked a significant shift from the , allowing photographers to work more efficiently and in diverse environments.
Key innovators like and developed the technology, while refined manufacturing for mass production. The process used gelatin as a binding agent for light-sensitive silver compounds, coated on glass plates. This enabled longer-lasting, more stable photographic materials with increased convenience and extended shelf life.
Origins of gelatin dry plates
- Revolutionized photography by introducing a more stable and convenient medium for image capture
- Marked a significant shift from wet plate collodion process, allowing for pre-prepared photosensitive materials
- Emerged in the 1870s as a result of ongoing experiments to improve photographic technology
Predecessors to gelatin emulsions
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- Albumen process utilized egg whites as a binder for light-sensitive silver compounds
- Collodion wet plate process required immediate exposure and development of plates
- Tannin dry plates offered limited improvements but still suffered from low sensitivity
Key inventors and innovators
- Richard Leach Maddox introduced the gelatin dry plate concept in 1871
- Charles Harper Bennett developed a method of hardening the gelatin in 1873
- George Eastman refined the manufacturing process, leading to mass production in 1880
Chemical composition
- Consisted of a light-sensitive emulsion coated on a glass support
- Enabled longer-lasting and more stable photographic plates compared to previous methods
- Allowed for pre-sensitized plates that could be stored for extended periods
Gelatin as binding agent
- Derived from animal collagen, typically from cattle bones or fish scales
- Provided a stable matrix to hold light-sensitive silver compounds
- Allowed for uniform coating and improved adhesion to glass plates
Light-sensitive silver compounds
- served as the primary light-sensitive component
- sometimes added to increase sensitivity and contrast
- occasionally used for specific tonal qualities
Manufacturing process
- Involved precise chemical formulations and controlled production environments
- Required specialized equipment for coating and drying large quantities of plates
- Demanded strict quality control measures to ensure consistency across batches
Coating glass plates
- Clean glass plates prepared by washing and polishing
- Gelatin emulsion heated and poured onto plates in a thin, even layer
- Plates tilted to distribute emulsion uniformly across the surface
- Excess emulsion drained off to achieve desired thickness
Drying and packaging methods
- Plates dried in dust-free environments to prevent contamination
- Controlled temperature and humidity during drying process
- Packaged in light-tight boxes to protect from premature exposure
- Labeled with batch information and sensitivity ratings
Advantages over wet plates
- Transformed photographic practice by simplifying the image-making process
- Enabled photographers to work more efficiently and in diverse environments
- Contributed to the expansion of photography as both an art form and scientific tool
Increased convenience vs wet plates
- Eliminated need for on-site darkroom facilities
- Reduced equipment and chemicals required for field photography
- Allowed for longer intervals between exposure and development
Extended shelf life
- Plates could be stored for months or even years before use
- Enabled mass production and distribution of pre-sensitized plates
- Facilitated the growth of businesses
Impact on photography practice
- Broadened the accessibility of photography to a wider range of practitioners
- Enabled new artistic and documentary approaches to image-making
- Contributed to the development of and
Faster exposure times
- Increased light sensitivity allowed for shorter exposures (fractions of a second)
- Enabled capture of moving subjects and fleeting moments
- Facilitated the development of hand-held cameras and
Portable photography equipment
- Lighter weight plates and simplified process reduced equipment bulk
- Encouraged exploration of remote locations and challenging environments
- Spurred development of compact camera designs (folding cameras)
Commercial production and distribution
- Transformed photography from a specialized craft to a widespread industry
- Created new business opportunities in manufacturing and retail
- Established global networks for the distribution of photographic materials
Major manufacturers
- (later ) became a dominant force in the market
- European manufacturers like and competed in the global market
- Specialized plate makers catered to niche markets (astronomical plates)
Global market expansion
- Photographic supply stores opened in major cities worldwide
- Mail-order catalogs made plates accessible to rural photographers
- International exhibitions and trade fairs promoted new products and techniques
Technical advancements
- Continuous improvements in emulsion technology enhanced image quality
- Innovations in manufacturing processes increased consistency and reliability
- Advancements in plate design expanded creative possibilities for photographers
Increased light sensitivity
- Development of improved tonal rendering
- Introduction of in early 1900s captured full visible spectrum
- Higher sensitivity ratings (ISO equivalents) allowed for faster shutter speeds
Improved image quality
- Finer grain structures resulted in sharper images with better detail
- Enhanced contrast and tonal range expanded expressive possibilities
- Specialized plate types () reduced halation and improved clarity
Applications in photography
- Versatility of gelatin dry plates expanded photographic applications
- Enabled new fields of visual documentation and artistic expression
- Contributed to advancements in various scientific and cultural domains
Studio portraiture
- Faster exposures allowed for more natural poses and expressions
- Improved consistency in results enhanced studio efficiency
- Enabled creation of larger prints and reproductions for display
Landscape and travel photography
- Portability of dry plates facilitated exploration of remote locations
- Extended shelf life allowed for long expeditions without resupply
- Higher sensitivity captured atmospheric effects and challenging lighting conditions
Scientific and medical imaging
- Standardized plates improved reproducibility in scientific documentation
- X-ray photography benefited from specialized high-sensitivity plates
- Astronomical photography advanced with long-exposure capabilities
Cultural significance
- Gelatin dry plates played a crucial role in shaping modern visual culture
- Contributed to the proliferation of photographic images in daily life
- Influenced public perception and understanding of world events
Democratization of photography
- Simplified process made photography accessible to a broader range of practitioners
- Reduced costs of materials and equipment lowered barriers to entry
- Enabled diverse voices and perspectives to be represented visually
Rise of amateur photographers
- Hobbyist photography became popular among middle-class enthusiasts
- Camera clubs and photographic societies formed to share knowledge
- Amateur contributions expanded the scope of photographic subject matter
Limitations and challenges
- Despite advantages, gelatin dry plates presented unique difficulties
- Photographers and archivists faced new challenges in preservation
- Technical limitations spurred ongoing innovation in photographic technology
Fragility of glass plates
- Plates susceptible to breakage during transport and handling
- Careful packaging and storage required to prevent damage
- Broken plates often resulted in irretrievable loss of images
Storage and archival issues
- Large collections of glass plates demanded significant storage space
- Environmental factors (humidity, temperature) affected long-term stability
- Chemical degradation of emulsion led to image fading or discoloration
Transition to film
- Gelatin dry plates paved the way for further innovations in photographic media
- addressed limitations of glass while retaining emulsion technology
- Shift to film marked the next major revolution in photographic history
Introduction of flexible supports
- Celluloid film base introduced by Eastman Kodak in 1889
- enabled development of smaller, more portable cameras
- Flexible supports reduced weight and fragility issues of glass plates
Decline of glass plate usage
- Professional photographers gradually transitioned to film throughout early 1900s
- Specialized applications (scientific imaging) continued to use plates longer
- Glass plates largely obsolete for general photography by mid-20th century
Key Terms to Review (26)
Agfa: Agfa is a German company that has been a significant player in the photographic industry, particularly known for its contributions to film and photographic paper. Founded in 1867, Agfa initially specialized in the production of photographic plates and has evolved to become a key manufacturer of both analog and digital imaging products, impacting the gelatin dry plate process significantly during its peak.
Analog photography: Analog photography is a process of capturing images using chemical reactions on light-sensitive materials, such as film, to create photographs. This method relies on traditional techniques like exposure and development to produce images, connecting it to historical practices of image-making, such as the camera obscura and the gelatin dry plate process. As a foundational form of photography, analog photography emphasizes tactile interaction with materials and techniques that have been integral to the evolution of visual representation.
Backed plates: Backed plates refer to glass photographic plates that have been coated with a light-sensitive emulsion and then reinforced with a protective backing layer. This backing helps provide structural support and stability during the photographic process, especially when handling or exposing the plates. The use of backed plates was significant in the gelatin dry plate process, as it enhanced the durability and ease of use for photographers.
Camera obscura: Camera obscura is a darkened room or box with a small hole (aperture) on one side, through which light passes to project an inverted image of the outside scene onto a surface inside. This optical phenomenon laid the groundwork for modern photography and is closely linked to early imaging techniques that evolved into various photographic processes.
Candid Photography: Candid photography is a style of photography that captures moments spontaneously, without posing or directing subjects, often revealing natural expressions and emotions. This approach emphasizes authenticity and real-life moments, making it essential in various genres such as photojournalism, documentary photography, and social narratives.
Charles Harper Bennett: Charles Harper Bennett was a significant figure in the development of the gelatin dry plate process in photography during the late 19th century. His work contributed to the evolution of photographic technology, making it easier and more accessible for photographers to capture images with improved clarity and detail. Bennett's innovations helped propel the gelatin dry plate process into mainstream photography, influencing both amateur and professional photographers of the time.
Commercial Photography: Commercial photography refers to the practice of taking photographs for commercial purposes, such as advertising, marketing, and sales. This type of photography is essential for businesses to promote their products or services, creating visually appealing images that attract consumers and drive sales. It often involves collaboration with brands, agencies, and clients to deliver imagery that aligns with marketing strategies and brand identity.
Eastman Dry Plate Company: The Eastman Dry Plate Company was established by George Eastman in 1881 and played a pivotal role in the development of the gelatin dry plate process, which revolutionized photography by making it more accessible and efficient. This company focused on producing high-quality photographic plates that utilized a gelatin emulsion, allowing photographers to create images with greater detail and sensitivity compared to earlier methods.
Emulsion: Emulsion refers to a mixture of two immiscible substances, such as oil and water, where one substance is dispersed in the other. In photography, emulsions are critical as they serve as the light-sensitive layer in film and photographic plates, allowing for the capture of images. The most common emulsion used in photography is silver halide crystals suspended in gelatin, which react to light exposure, forming a latent image that can later be developed into a visible photograph.
Flexible Supports: Flexible supports refer to adaptable materials or structures that enable the stable mounting and manipulation of photographic plates during the exposure process. These supports are crucial in the gelatin dry plate process, allowing photographers to handle the plates with ease while maintaining their integrity, which is vital for capturing clear images.
Gelatin dry plate: The gelatin dry plate is a photographic medium that emerged in the 19th century, utilizing a light-sensitive emulsion made of silver halides suspended in a gelatin matrix. This innovation allowed for quicker exposure times and greater convenience compared to previous wet collodion processes, paving the way for more practical photography. As a key development in the history of photography, the gelatin dry plate facilitated advancements in camera technology and amateur photography.
George Eastman: George Eastman was an American entrepreneur and inventor who revolutionized photography by introducing the first successful roll film and the Kodak camera, making photography accessible to the masses. His innovations, particularly in the gelatin dry plate process and portable camera design, paved the way for amateur photography and established a new era in the field.
Ilford: Ilford is a well-known photographic brand that has been a major player in the production of film and photographic paper since the late 19th century. Established in 1879, it gained prominence for its innovative developments in black and white photography, particularly through the gelatin dry plate process. This brand has had a significant influence on the evolution of photographic materials, catering to both amateur and professional photographers.
Kodak: Kodak is a brand name synonymous with photography and film, originally established by George Eastman in 1888. The company's introduction of the first simple box camera allowed everyday people to capture moments, revolutionizing photography and making it accessible to the masses. Kodak not only popularized the use of gelatin dry plates but also played a significant role in the development of iconic war photographs through its innovations in film and processing.
Landscape photography: Landscape photography is a genre of photography focused on capturing the natural beauty of the environment, including landforms, skies, and natural elements. This form of photography emphasizes composition, light, and atmosphere to portray the majesty and vastness of outdoor scenes. It often reflects a connection between humans and nature, making it significant across various photographic processes and movements.
Orthochromatic emulsions: Orthochromatic emulsions are photographic materials that are sensitive to all visible colors except for red light. This type of emulsion allowed for more accurate reproduction of colors in photographs, particularly in capturing scenes with a wide range of tones. They represented an important advancement in photographic technology, especially in the context of the gelatin dry plate process, which enabled faster exposure times and greater image clarity.
Panchromatic plates: Panchromatic plates are photographic plates sensitive to a broad spectrum of light, including both visible and ultraviolet wavelengths. This sensitivity allows for more accurate color reproduction in black-and-white photography, capturing scenes with greater detail and tonal variation. The development of panchromatic plates marked a significant advancement in the gelatin dry plate process, enabling photographers to achieve better results in various lighting conditions.
Photojournalism: Photojournalism is a form of journalism that uses images to tell news stories, capturing real-life events and conveying information through visual narratives. It plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and understanding of significant events and issues, often acting as a powerful tool for social change and historical documentation.
Richard Leach Maddox: Richard Leach Maddox was an English photographer and inventor known for developing the gelatin dry plate process in the 19th century. This innovation revolutionized photography by allowing images to be captured more quickly and with greater sensitivity than the wet collodion process, significantly advancing the art and science of photography during that time.
Roll film: Roll film is a type of photographic film that is wound onto a spool, allowing for continuous exposure of images in a single roll. This format revolutionized photography by enabling photographers to take multiple shots without the need for individual glass plates or sheets, making photography more accessible and convenient. It played a pivotal role in the transition from bulky cameras to compact designs and helped popularize photography among the masses.
Silver bromide: Silver bromide is a light-sensitive compound used in photographic materials, particularly in the gelatin dry plate process. It plays a crucial role in capturing images by undergoing a chemical reaction when exposed to light, forming a latent image that can later be developed into a visible photograph. This compound's sensitivity to light makes it essential for creating photographs with a range of tonal qualities.
Silver chloride: Silver chloride is a chemical compound formed when silver ions combine with chloride ions, often used in photography as a light-sensitive material. It plays a crucial role in the development of images on gelatin dry plates, where it reacts to light exposure to create latent images that can be developed into visible photographs. Its ability to darken upon exposure to light makes it essential in capturing detailed photographs.
Silver iodide: Silver iodide is a chemical compound, represented by the formula AgI, that plays a critical role in photography, particularly in early photographic processes. It is light-sensitive and forms the basis for the development of images in both calotypes and the gelatin dry plate process, making it essential for capturing photographs during the 19th century and beyond.
Snapshot photography: Snapshot photography refers to a spontaneous, informal style of photography that captures moments quickly and with minimal planning or setup. This style emphasizes capturing everyday life and experiences, often resulting in candid images that convey emotions and stories. The advent of new photographic technologies, especially the gelatin dry plate process, made it easier for everyday people to take photographs without needing extensive training or expensive equipment.
Studio portraiture: Studio portraiture refers to the practice of capturing portraits in a controlled environment, typically a photography studio, where lighting, backdrops, and props can be manipulated to create a polished and artistic representation of a subject. This genre emphasizes the photographer's ability to curate an idealized version of individuals, often reflecting societal norms and ideals of beauty during different historical periods.
Wet plate collodion process: The wet plate collodion process is a photographic technique that emerged in the mid-19th century, allowing for the production of detailed negatives on glass plates coated with collodion, a viscous substance made from nitrocellulose. This method replaced the daguerreotype, enabling multiple prints from a single negative and greatly expanding the potential for portraiture and landscape photography, especially during the Victorian era. Its use was particularly significant in American West photography, capturing the unique landscapes and cultural moments of that time.