Photography has evolved with countless techniques and processes. Each one emerged, allowing us to capture images in unique and captivating ways. One such process, the carbon print, has a rich history and offers photographers a distinct aesthetic appeal. 

In this article, we delve into the origins of carbon prints; the step-by-step process of creating them, their appeal, benefits, drawbacks, and the contemporary photographers who still embrace this fascinating technique.

Cover photo - William James Stillman - The Acropolis of Athens.

Henry Herschel Hay Cameron - Photograph of British Photographer Julia Margaret Cameron

Development and Origin

The carbon print was developed in the late 19th century as an alternative to the traditional silver gelatin print. It was born out of the desire for permanence and tonal range improvement. 

Joseph Swan, an English physicist, and chemist, invented the carbon print process in 1864. Swan intended to create a photographic process that would produce long-lasting images. Hopefully with rich tonal gradations.

Process and Technique

Aspiring photographers interested in trying the carbon print process should gather the following materials:

• Large-format negative or digital file
• Gelatin
• Potassium dichromate
• Pigments for toning (optional)
• Tissue paper
• Support material (paper)
• UV light source
• Developing tray
• Water source
• Toning chemicals (optional)
• Drying rack

The carbon print process involves transferring pigmented gelatin layers onto a support material, typically paper. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create carbon prints:

Negative Preparation: Begin by creating a large-format negative from your desired image. This can be either digitally or through traditional methods like large-format film.

Sensitizer Preparation: Mix gelatin, potassium dichromate, and pigments to create the sensitizing solution. Different pigments create different tonal effects.

Tissue Coating: Coat a thin tissue paper with the sensitizing solution and allow it to dry. This tissue will serve as the carrier for the pigmented gelatin layers.

Layering: Apply several layers of the sensitized tissue onto a sheet of paper, ensuring each layer dries before adding the next. The number of layers allows control over the tonal richness of the final print.

Expose: Place the negative over the layered tissue and expose it to UV light. The light passes through the clear areas of the negative, hardening the corresponding gelatin layers.

Development: Submerge the exposed print in warm water, allowing the unhardened gelatin to dissolve. This leaves behind the pigmented layers that adhered to the paper.

Final Steps: Rinse the print, tone it if desired, and dry it carefully. The resulting carbon print exhibits a unique tonal range, depth, and archival stability.

Following the step-by-step guide ensures careful attention to each stage of the process. Differences in exposure times, layering techniques, and toning lead to personalized results.

Rudolf Koppitz - In the Bosom of Nature.

Appeal and Audience

Carbon prints hold an appeal for photographers seeking a distinctive or timeless aesthetic. The process offers a wide tonal range, from delicate highlights to rich shadows, along with a unique three-dimensional quality. 

Carbon prints appeal to those who value craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a connection to photography's rich historical roots. They might not be the easiest way to capture a scene, but any pigment can be used.

NB – The Carbon Print is named so as Carbon Black was the first pigment to be used

Benefits and Drawbacks

Carbon prints are highly regarded for their exceptional longevity and resistance to fading. These make them a coveted choice for collectors and preservationists. Additionally, the process enables photographers to achieve a broad tonal scale, infusing their images with depth and dimensionality. The handmade nature of carbon prints adds an artistic and artisanal touch. It resonates with photographers who appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship involved.

Mastering the carbon print process demands a significant investment of time, patience, and skill. It is a technique that requires dedication to achieve optimal results. Carbon prints are best suited for monochromatic or toned renditions. This limits their suitability for photographers seeking vibrant and vivid color representations.

Adolphe Braun - Pheasant and Grouse, c. 1865

Contemporary Practitioners

While the carbon print process has become less popular in the digital age, several contemporary photographers continue to embrace this traditional technique. Notable practitioners include Sally Mann, Christian Patterson, and Christina Z. Anderson. All use carbon prints to create stunning works of art that evoke a sense of nostalgia and poetic beauty. 

These photographers value the unique qualities and expressive potential of carbon prints, using them to convey stories in their imagery. Its distinct aesthetic and archival qualities continue to inspire a dedicated community of photographers who appreciate the craft and timeless beauty it offers.