Digital meets analog: Exposure on photo paper

From the WhiteWall expert Jan-Ole Schmidt

In a world increasingly dominated by digital media, printing on photo paper remains a fascinating technique for presenting images with exceptional quality and durability. Exposure combines classic photography with modern technology by transferring digital image data onto real photo paper. But what exactly is behind this process and how does it work? This blog post sheds light on the technique of exposure, its application, and why it still plays an important role in photography today.

What does "exposure" on photographic paper mean?

The term "exposure" derives from the analog photo lab, where images are created in the darkroom by exposing film to light-sensitive photographic paper. Although photography today is predominantly digital, i.e., without film, exposure on photographic paper has retained its firm place in the world of photography. The reason: exposure on traditional photographic paper makes it possible to present digital images in outstanding quality and depth. Digital data is exposed onto photographic paper and then chemically developed into a physical print.

While conventional digital printing uses ink to transfer the image onto the paper, exposure on photographic paper uses a light-sensitive emulsion layer. This results in continuous color reproduction without halftone dots.

The exposure process: from file to finished photo

The exposure process begins with a digital image file. This file is first analyzed at in order to achieve the best possible result on photographic paper[SJ1] [th2] . Unlike conventional inkjet printing, where color pigments are sprayed onto the paper, exposure is based on a chemical process. The photographic paper is exposed to a light source, and the image is created through various layers of the paper.

Specifically, exposure takes place in several steps. First, the image is scaled to the desired size. This is followed by color adjustment, in which the colors are optimized so that they appear as realistic as possible on the photo paper. Then, a special imagesetter, often a laser or LED imagesetter, transfers the image information to the light-sensitive photo paper. The imagesetters work with extremely high precision.

During exposure, the photo paper is exposed to precisely measured light pulses that activate the different color layers of the paper. Photo paper usually consists of several layers of light-sensitive emulsions on a paper base. Each layer is sensitive to a specific color spectrum—red, green, and blue—and the combination of these three primary colors produces the entire color spectrum of the image.

After exposure, the paper undergoes chemical development in a series of baths that reveal, stabilize, and fix the image or colors of the image. These chemical processes are similar to the traditional development process in analog photography, with the difference that these steps are now largely automated. [SJ1] [th2] After development, the photo paper is washed and dried to remove all chemical residues. The result is an image characterized by intense colors, high contrast, and remarkable sharpness .

For particularly detailed images, we recommend printing on our glossy photo paper.

Advantages of printing on photo paper

Printing on photo paper offers several advantages. One key advantage is the excellent color fidelity and detail accuracy achieved through the chemical development process. Since no printing ink is used during printing, but rather the photo paper itself produces the colors, there are no halftone dots.

Another advantage is the long durability of the photos. Chemically developed photos on real photo paper are generally very resistant to UV light, moisture, and other environmental influences. This makes them particularly suitable for professional applications where long-term archiving is important, such as in museums, galleries, and collections. The surface finish of the photo paper—glossy, matte, satin, or metallic—can also be varied to achieve different aesthetic effects.

A photo on real photo paper also has a very special appeal that goes far beyond pure image reproduction. It is reminiscent of classic prints from times gone by – of pictures in old photo albums and family photos that are passed from hand to hand. High-quality photo papers give an image a tangible value that immediately creates an emotional connection when viewed. For many photographers, printing on real photo paper is more than just a medium – it is a tribute to the origins of photography, a tangible version of a moment that stands the test of time and can be relived again and again.

For exhibitions in galleries and for the elegant presentation of your most beautiful pictures in your own home, we recommend laminating real photo paper onto aluminum Dibond or behind acrylic glass. Pure black-and-white papers from Ilford are also ideal for printing high-contrast black-and-white motifs.

Photo papers for different purposes

The quality of the photo paper plays a key role in the final appearance and effect of a photo. When selecting the right photo paper, various factors must be taken into account, such as the surface texture, thickness, and weight of the paper, as well as color and contrast reproduction. Different surfaces, such as glossy, satin, matte, and metallic, each offer specific properties that affect the image reproduction and the appearance of the photo. The decision for a particular photo paper should therefore always be made depending on the desired end result and the area of application.

Glossy photo paper is ideal for vivid, color-intensive images with a high level of detail and contrast. The smooth, reflective surface of this paper enhances color depth and makes images appear brilliant. Portraits, landscape shots, and images with lots of detail often benefit from this choice of paper. However, the reflections created by glossy paper can be distracting in certain lighting conditions. In addition, the surface is susceptible to fingerprints and scratches, making it less suitable for photos that are frequently handled.

Satin photo paper, also known as "lustre" or "lustre," offers a balance between the brilliance of glossy surfaces and the low reflectivity of matte papers. It is a popular choice for professional photographers as it offers good color reproduction and sharpness without unwanted reflections. This property makes silk matte photo paper ideal for exhibitions, wedding photos, and photo books where both quality and durability are required. The finely textured surface of this paper also helps to make fingerprints and scratches less visible, which is particularly advantageous with frequent use.

Matte photo paper is suitable for applications where glare-free and subtle image reproduction is desired. It reduces highlights and produces a softer reproduction of colors and contrasts. This property makes it a preferred choice for black-and-white photographs, art reproductions, and prints where a calmer and less intense effect is desired. The matte surface is also less susceptible to fingerprints and scratches, making it particularly suitable for presentations and exhibitions where the images are viewed directly. However, the color depth can appear less intense on matte paper, which may be perceived as a disadvantage for some motifs.

Metallic paper features a special coating that gives images a metallic sheen and an almost three-dimensional depth. It is particularly suitable for high-contrast and color-intensive images such as cityscapes, architecture, and automotive photography. Metallic paper gives photos a unique look that stands out from other surfaces. The special paper emphasizes details and contours, creating impressive effects. However, reflections are also an issue here, and you should consider carefully whether this look suits the style you want to achieve.

In addition to the surface texture, the thickness and weight of the photo paper also play a role. Heavier paper is generally more stable and feels higher quality, which makes it attractive for Fine Art Print and high-quality photo books. For applications where the photos are frequently handled or require longer durability, high paper quality should therefore be considered. Choosing the right photo paper therefore depends heavily on the intended use, the form of presentation, and the desired aesthetic effects. Different types of paper are suitable depending on the requirements for image impact and quality. The selection should therefore always be made carefully in order to achieve the best result for the respective photo project. If, for example, an image is to be hung near a window, we recommend a matte photo paper with as little reflection as possible, which we can laminate onto aluminum Dibond, for example.

Conclusion

Printing on photo paper offers a unique combination of digital precision and analog quality. For photographers, artists, and lovers of classic photographic processes who want to present their work in the highest quality, this technique is a first-class choice. With its high color quality, the special feel of the photo paper, and long durability, printing has many advantages . If you are looking for a photo product that stands out for its depth, vibrancy, and authenticity, exposure on photo paper could be just the right choice.