In the realm of photography, there exists a process that combines artistry, chemistry, and history in a truly captivating way. Salt prints, also known as salted paper prints, are a photographic technique that dates back to the early 19th century.

This article delves into the development of salt prints, their creation process, and their appeal. It also explores the benefits and drawbacks of this unique approach to photography. We also highlight contemporary photographers who continue to embrace this enchanting process.

Cover by Maksym Sirman

Historical Development

Salt prints were developed in the 1830s by Englishman William Henry Fox Talbot. He sought to create a more permanent alternative to the existing Daguerreotype process.

Talbot's discovery was a significant milestone in the history of photography. It marked the birth of the paper-negative process, from which various positive printing methods emerged.

Similarities and Differences of Salt Prints and Daguerreotypes

Salt prints and Daguerreotypes are two photographic processes from the early days of photography. Each has interesting characteristics and techniques.

Similarities

Salt prints and Daguerreotypes emerged as pivotal contributors to the evolution of photography in the 19th century. Both left indelible marks on the medium's development. Both techniques harnessed the power of light-sensitive materials to capture and bring images to life. Salt prints relied on the sensitivity of silver nitrate and salt, imbuing paper with the ability to record fleeting moments.

Daguerreotypes involved the exposure of a silver-coated copper plate to mercury vapor. This was then followed by meticulous chemical development. In their execution, both processes demanded an intimate hands-on approach. Mastery of skill, unwavering craftsmanship, and a profound comprehension of chemical reactions were essential prerequisites for achieving remarkable outcomes.

Differences

Salt prints are created through contact printing from a negative. They enchant with their gentle, painterly essence, boasting a wide range of tonalities. Daguerreotypes produce positive images on a polished silver-coated surface. In contrast, Daguerreotypes possessed a mesmerizing allure, characterized by intricate details and a mirror-like sheen.

The materials employed in each process differ. Salt prints rely on paper, salt, and silver nitrate, necessitating a separate negative for printing. Daguerreotypes use a silver-plated copper plate coated with light-sensitive silver iodide. They demand direct exposure and development procedure. While daguerreotypes remain one-of-a-kind treasures unable to be reproduced, salt prints allow for multiple copies to be made from a single negative. This allowed greater mobility and shareability.

Edinburgh Ale - James Ballantine, Dr George Bell and David Octavius Hill by Hill & Adamson, a salt print from a calotype paper negative, c. 1844

Creation Process

Salt prints are made using a simple yet delicate process. The key ingredients required are silver nitrate, salt, and a sheet of high-quality paper.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create salt prints:

Dissolve salt in water and brush the solution onto a sheet of paper. Allow the paper to dry completely.

Submerge the salted paper in a solution of silver nitrate, which forms silver chloride on the paper's surface. This step makes the paper light-sensitive.

Place a negative, usually created using an alternative photographic process like calotype or collodion, in direct contact with the sensitized paper. Expose the combination to sunlight or another UV light source until the image becomes visible.

After exposure, rinse the print in water to remove residual chemicals. Then fix the print with a sodium thiosulfate solution to stabilize the image and prevent further chemical reactions.

Salt prints have a timeless allure that appeals to both photographers and history aficionados. The process imparts a soft, warm tonality to images, creating an ethereal and nostalgic aesthetic. The delicate textures and subtle details captured in salt prints have a unique charm. Each evokes a sense of intimacy and craftsmanship.

Saint Michael's Church, Winterbourne, April 1859

Benefits and Drawbacks

Salt prints offer a tangible connection to the origins of photography. It allows practitioners to recreate the techniques of early pioneers. The process invites experimentation and encourages photographers to embrace the imperfections and unpredictability inherent in the technique. Doing so results in truly unique and artistic prints.

When made and processed correctly, salt prints can exhibit excellent longevity. It makes them suitable for preserving cherished memories. 

The process requires a level of precision and technical skill, making it more challenging for beginners compared to modern digital processes.

Materials and chemicals required for salt prints can be relatively expensive and may not be readily accessible in all areas. Those starting on their alternative photography path might start with Cyanotype before Salt Printing.

Contemporary Practitioners

While digital technology dominates the modern photographic landscape, there is a dedicated community of photographers who continue to embrace the magic of salt prints.

Some noteworthy photographers who still utilize this process include Sally Mann, Adam Fuss, and France Scully Osterman. These photographers demonstrate the timeless beauty and expressive potential of salt prints. They showcase the medium's enduring relevance in the art world.

Final Word on Salt Printing

The photography process of salt prints is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of early photographic pioneers. Through its historical roots and intricate creation process, salt prints offer a captivating blend of art and science.

While the technique presents challenges, its unique aesthetic qualities and connection to photography's origins make it an intriguing avenue. It can help intermediate and contemporary photographers seek to push the boundaries of their art.