gelatinsilverprint
A gelatin silver print is a photographic print made using paper coated with a light-sensitive emulsion of silver halide crystals suspended in gelatin. This is the most common type of black and white photographic print and has been in widespread use since the late 19th century. The process involves exposing the silver halide emulsion to light through a negative, which creates a latent image. This latent image is then developed using chemical solutions to make it visible. Following development, the print is fixed to remove any unexposed silver halide, preventing it from darkening further when exposed to light. Finally, the print is washed to remove residual chemicals and dried. Gelatin silver prints are known for their tonal range and archival qualities, though their longevity can be affected by improper processing and handling. The specific characteristics of a gelatin silver print, such as its contrast, sharpness, and grain, can be influenced by the type of paper used, the developer, and the exposure and development times.