Carbon Printing: A Detailed Examination of the Historical and Contemporary Practice

Carbon printing, often considered one of the most sophisticated and enduring
photographic processes, holds a significant place in the history of photography.
Known for its ability to produce rich tonal qualities, durability, and a unique
texture, carbon printing has remained a respected method for fine art
photographers. This essay explores the history, technical aspects, artistic
significance, and contemporary relevance of carbon printing in the context of both
traditional and modern photographic practices.

I. Introduction to Carbon Printing

The carbon printing process is a photographic printing technique that dates back to
the mid-19th century. It involves the use of carbon-based pigments in conjunction
with gelatin to produce images on paper or other surfaces. The result is a print
with remarkable tonal range, depth, and permanence. Unlike other photographic
printing processes such as albumen or silver gelatin, carbon prints are known for
their exceptional archival qualities, meaning they are less prone to fading over
time.

Carbon printing has fascinated both photographers and collectors because of its
rich texture and three-dimensional quality. Despite its decline in the early 20th
century due to the emergence of more convenient processes like gelatin silver
printing, carbon printing has experienced a resurgence among alternative process
photographers in recent years. These practitioners appreciate the process for its
craftsmanship, artistic potential, and historical significance.

II. Historical Development of Carbon Printing

The origins of carbon printing trace back to the mid-1800s, when it was first
developed by the French chemist Joseph Swan in 1864. At the time, photographic
processes were rapidly evolving, with new methods such as albumen prints,
daguerreotypes, and tintypes already well established. However, Swan's discovery of
carbon printing represented a breakthrough in the world of photographic materials.
His process, which involved the use of pigmented gelatin to transfer an image onto
paper, was revolutionary in its ability to produce prints with a rich tonal range
and exceptional durability.

Carbon printing gained popularity in the late 19th century, particularly among
professional photographers who sought prints that could rival the richness and
detail of oil paintings. As photography became more accessible to the general
public, the technique was further refined and adapted. One of the significant
developments in the early 20th century was the introduction of the pigment-based
carbon transfer process, which allowed for greater control over color, contrast,
and texture. This innovation helped solidify carbon printing as a viable option for
fine art photography, leading to its adoption by leading photographers and artists
of the time.

By the early 20th century, carbon printing was considered one of the premier
printing methods for high-quality photographic work. However, its popularity began
to wane with the introduction of newer, faster, and less labor-intensive methods,
such as the silver gelatin print, which offered a similar level of tonal range and
detail but with fewer technical challenges.

Despite the decline of carbon printing in mainstream photography, the process

remained a favorite of alternative process photographers and fine art
practitioners. In the latter half of the 20th century, a renewed interest in
historical photographic techniques led to a revival of carbon printing, with modern
photographers appreciating its uniqueness and timeless aesthetic.

III. The Technical Process of Carbon Printing

The process of carbon printing is both intricate and highly technical, involving
several steps that require a high level of precision and craftsmanship. At its
core, the technique involves the use of a tissue made from a combination of
gelatin, carbon black (or other pigments), and potassium bichromate, which is used
as a sensitizer. The tissue is coated with a mixture of gelatin and pigment, and
then exposed to ultraviolet light. When exposed, the bichromate hardens the gelatin
in proportion to the intensity of light exposure, allowing the unexposed areas to
remain soft.

To create a carbon print, the first step is to make a carbon tissue, which is
essentially a thin layer of gelatin pigmented with carbon black (or other pigments
such as sepia or red). The pigment is mixed with a solution of potassium
bichromate, which acts as a light-sensitive material. The tissue is then spread on
a flat surface, and once it has dried, it is ready for use.

The second step in the process is to expose the tissue to ultraviolet light. The
tissue is placed on top of a photographic negative or a contact print. The exposure
causes the areas of the tissue that correspond to the dark portions of the negative
to harden, while the lighter areas remain soft. This creates a relief image in the
gelatin layer, with the dark areas being more solid and the lighter areas remaining
softer.

After exposure, the tissue is transferred to a piece of paper or another substrate.

The transfer is accomplished by soaking the exposed tissue in warm water, which
allows the unexposed areas to dissolve, leaving behind the hardened gelatin image.
The print is then carefully dried, and a final print is achieved.

One of the unique characteristics of carbon printing is the potential for multiple
printings from a single negative. The pigment used in the carbon tissue is integral
to the print, and by adjusting the color of the pigment, photographers can create
prints in various tones and hues. This is why carbon printing has been favored by
artists seeking complete control over the color palette and tonal gradation in
their prints.

IV. Artistic Significance of Carbon Printing

The artistic significance of carbon printing lies in its ability to produce prints
with a level of depth and richness that is difficult to achieve with other
processes. Carbon prints are highly regarded for their exceptional tonal range,
which allows for both deep blacks and subtle midtones. The rich, velvety quality of
the prints makes them highly sought after by collectors and photographers alike.

The process allows for a great deal of flexibility and artistic expression. By
varying the type of pigment used in the carbon tissue, photographers can achieve
different colors in the final print, such as sepia, violet, or red. This ability to
modify the tone and hue of the print makes carbon printing an excellent choice for
photographers who wish to imbue their work with a distinctive, personal touch.

Moreover, the three-dimensional texture of the print is another reason why carbon
printing remains highly regarded. The gelatin layer, which holds the pigment,
creates a tactile quality that is difficult to replicate with other processes. The
texture of the print adds to its visual appeal and enhances the overall viewing
experience. These qualities contribute to the process's reputation as one of the
most artistic and unique forms of photographic printing.

V. The Resurgence of Carbon Printing in Contemporary Photography

While carbon printing experienced a decline in popularity in the early 20th
century, it has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly within the
alternative photographic processes community. The growing interest in historical
photographic techniques has led to a renewed appreciation for carbon printing's
artistic and archival qualities.

Several factors have contributed to this revival. First, the advent of digital
technology has allowed for greater precision in the creation of negatives, making
the traditional carbon printing process more accessible to contemporary
photographers. Photographers can now create digital negatives using inkjet
printers, which can be used in conjunction with the carbon printing process to
produce highly detailed prints.

Second, the desire for unique, handmade objects in an increasingly digital world
has led many artists to explore alternative processes, including carbon printing.
In an era where mass-produced digital prints dominate the photography market, the
tactile, one-of-a-kind nature of carbon prints offers an appealing contrast. Many
collectors and photographers are drawn to the process because of its artisanal
quality and the sense of craftsmanship it embodies.

Finally, the environmental and archival advantages of carbon printing have

contributed to its revival. Because the process uses stable pigments and produces
prints that are resistant to fading, carbon prints are considered one of the most
durable types of photographic prints. The long-term stability of carbon prints
makes them highly valued by collectors, galleries, and institutions seeking to
preserve photographic work for future generations.

VI. Conclusion
Carbon printing is a process that embodies the intersection of artistry,
craftsmanship, and photographic history. From its inception in the mid-19th century
to its contemporary resurgence, the technique has evolved into one of the most
cherished methods for producing fine art photographic prints. The process's ability
to produce rich tonal ranges, vibrant colors, and exceptional archival durability
has made it a favorite of photographers and collectors alike. Despite being
overshadowed by newer, more convenient processes in the early 20th century, carbon
printing has experienced a renaissance, with modern photographers embracing its
historical roots and artistic potential.

As an alternative photographic process, carbon printing continues to hold a special

place in the world of fine art photography. Its technical complexity and the unique
aesthetic it produces ensure that it remains an important part of the photographic
landscape. In an age where digital prints dominate the market, the handmade,
tangible nature of carbon prints offers a compelling counterpoint, showcasing the
enduring relevance and beauty of this historic photographic process.