révélateur

Révélateur refers to a photographic solution used to develop photographic images, specifically in the context of traditional silver halide-based photography. The solution, also known as a developing agent, is a chemical reagent designed to cause a latent image on photographic film or paper to appear.

In film photography, the photographer or lab technician loads the film into a darkroom or processing tank and immerses it in the révélateur solution. The solution's alkaline and oxidizing properties allow silver halide crystals to increase in size and ultimately become visible as a fully formed image.

Révélateur can also refer to a specific type of developer used in photographic printing, particularly for fine art and archival-grade prints. In this context, the révélateur is a highly selective developer used to selectively reveal details in the midtones and shadows, allowing the photographer to achieve precise control over contrast and differentiation between various tonal ranges.

French-speaking countries in the past used to commonly use this term in their photographic communities and industries, particularly in their professional circles and photographic schools. Due to the evolution of technology and changing of photographic practices, the term is becoming less common.

Révélateur is sometimes confused with 'stop bath' in its definition but these terms describe distinct components in photographic development processes. A technically correct distinction can be established based on the type of chemicals used and the function within the process. Over time, developments of alternative light technologies have led to a decrease in the need for knowledge of these concepts as well as personal practices centered around working with light-sensitive materials.