Photos

THE PROCESS: 

 

The alternative photographic process known as palladium printing exhibits an exquisite tonal range and an unmatched luminance compared to traditional silver gelatin printing.

 

Cotton rag paper is coated with a solution of palladium metal which is mixed with a ferric oxalate solution. The photographic negative is placed directly upon the treated paper then both are exposed to ultraviolet light that infuses the image into the paper. The paper is then treated with developer. The image is now permanently infused in the cotton paper.

 

In a similar process, gum arabic,  potassium bichromate and water -soluble pigments are mixed together and then used to coat cotton rag paper. UV light causes the solution to harden. The negative is placed directly on the coated cotton rag paper and exposed to ultraviolet light causing certain portions of the surface to become more or less insoluble. The exposed paper is developed in water and the soluble portions begin to dissolve away leaving a permanent image.

 

Both photographic methods are used in the gum bichromate over palladium print. The palladium image is first embedded within the fibers of the rag paper. The gum bichromate image is printed on top of this image. Then the gum process is repeated many times by recoating the paper and then re-exposing the negative to the UV light. Each additional stage gives a richer and stronger image.