| Gordon Chapple |
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| Carbon Transfer Photographs |
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History Carbon transfer printing was perfected by Joseph Swan in 1864 and was the first permanent photographic process. In spite of the numerous photographic processes that have been developed between the 1860's and current day, carbon transfer prints are still considered by many to be the most beautiful as well as archival form of photography. Adding to the beauty of the final prints is the fact that it is the only photographic process that allows the printer to create an image that truly has a three-dimensional look, which is the result of having a very noticeable print "topography". Specifically, the shadow areas of an image are the result of laying down thick layers of pigmented gelatin while highlight areas are created by transferring very thin layers of pigmented gelatin. Though carbon printing has always been a labor intensive, time consuming and technologically demanding process, there are still those that prefer the aesthetics of its remarkable beauty and longevity over all other processes. In the hands of a skilled printer, the carbon process offers a wide range of image characteristics as well as the ability to create virtually any color or tone in the final print. Comparison to Gelatin Silver Printing The main advantages I see in carbon relative to gelatin silver work is the infinite control over the tonal scale (very long scale, ability to retain detail in even the darkest shadows) and the ability to create depth/added dimension to the final print. While both of these elements are important, I feel that the ability to create depth in the print is the most critical. For background, I find that even the best gelatin silver prints are very "flat" when compared to a carbon transfer print as a result of the topographic relief that can be created in the carbon process. This topographic effect can be enhanced to a considerable degree by "overprinting" the image, which basically creates thicker and thicker layering of pigmented gelatin every time the image is overprinted. So, with all of these advantages why doesn't everyone print in carbon? It is too much work is the major reason. Coating a batch of tissues is an all-day process. Then it will take a skilled printer almost an entire day to make one or two good prints. Clearly this is beyond the patience and persistence level of many workers. Additional Sources of Information on Carbon Transfer Printing For a step-by-step understanding of the carbon transfer process the following link (http://www.unblinkingeye.com/Articles/Carbon/carbon.html) provides a wonderful visual understanding of the process. Additional information of available in three books which I highly recommend, as follows:
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