contratypes

Contratypes are a form of photographic printing process that creates a positive image from another positive image. Unlike conventional photographic printing which uses a negative to create a positive, a contratype process starts with a positive transparency and produces another positive print. This is typically achieved through a series of intermediate steps involving copying and re-copying. The purpose of creating a contratype can be to alter the tonal range of an image, to duplicate a valuable transparency, or to prepare an image for specific printing techniques. The process often involves specialized photographic papers and developers, and the resulting image may have a distinct look compared to a standard print, sometimes exhibiting a higher contrast or a different color rendition. Historically, contratypes were employed in specialized photographic applications and by artists seeking unique visual effects. The term itself is derived from French, reflecting its origins in photographic experimentation.