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The Platinum process is a time consuming and tedious one, but the results can be very rewarding. When done correctly, it is one of the most archival photographic printing processes that exists.
In very general terms, one first coats a quality paper with an emulsion that contains the metal platinum.
Because this coated paper has a very low sensitivity, it is necessary to contact print on the paper with a high quality negative. It is my understanding that dense negatives with a lot of shadow detail produce the highest quality prints. After the negative is contact printed to the coated paper, it must be developed in a second solution. After development, the print needs to be thoroughly cleared & washed. After development, iron & platinum are in the print. The iron & other residue must be thoroughly cleared from the final print in order for it to be permanent.
The final prints are the most breathtaking that I have ever seen in my life. They have a soft, almost three dimensional quality to them. When in NYC, be sure to visit the Platinum Gallery. Many of the masters prints from the turn of the century and later are on display there. Also, take the time to visit
Tom Millea's Website, or better yet, view his prints in real life.
Tom is one of the first artists to bring the art of platinum printing back in the second half of this century.
The platinum process is very important in making a very spectacular image. "Technique is certainly not art, but the Platinum process requires good technique to create
art."
Note: The palladium process is very similar, but the materials are slightly less expensive, & I believe are not as remarkable.
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