A 19th-Century Photograpic Process – Revived in My Studio
Platinum/palladium printing is one of the most enduring and exquisite photographic processes in history.
Each print is crafted from the ground up—one by one—by hand-coating precious metals onto cotton paper, then contact-printing the negative and carefully washing it to reveal the final masterpiece.
How I create Each Print
1. Hand-Coating the Paper
I apply a blend of platinum and palladium salts with a brush onto 100% cotton paper. Every brushstroke shapes the character and expression of the image.
2. Contact Printing
The paper is placed together with the negative under a glass sheet and exposed to UV light—just as it was done in the late 1800s.
3. Development and Washing
The image is developed instantly in the developer solution and carefully washed through multiple baths to ensure maximum archival quality.
4. Drying and Quality Control
As the paper dries, the final tones emerge. Each print is meticulously inspected for tonal balance, brush texture, and overall aesthetic harmony..
Why Platinum/Palladium?
1. Aesthetics
Exceptional tonality: The process produces incredibly smooth gradations, from the deepest blacks to the brightest highlights, without harsh edges.
Matte surfaces: Free from reflections or gloss, giving the prints a painterly or drawing-like quality.
Unique character: Each print is handmade, and subtle variations in the process ensure that no two prints are exactly alike.
2. Archival Quality
Platinum and palladium are noble metals—they do not oxidize like silver. A well-executed Platinum/Paladium print can last for centuries without noticeable change. This makes the process one of the most durable in photographic art.
3. Materiality and Craftsmanship
The image resides within the fibers of the paper, not on top as a separate layer. This creates a sense of unity between subject and paper. The paper is hand-coated with the solution, imparting a tactile and unique quality. The printmaker engages directly and physically with the process, in contrast to mechanical and giclee printing.
4. Historical and Artistic Resonance
This process was employed by pioneers such as Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Steichen, and Paul Strand. By using it today, the artist enters into a dialogue with photographic history. Many view it as a conscious counterpoint to the fast-paced, digital image culture of our time.
5. Conceptual Value
Slowness: The process demands time, precision, and presence—qualities that become expressive in their own right.
Uniqueness vs. reproduction: In a world where images can be endlessly copied, Platinum/Palladium offers a sense of exclusivity and originality.
Hybrid approach: Many artists and printmakers combine digital negatives with Platinum/Palladium, creating a fusion of modern technology and classical craftsmanship.