Popular Photographic Print Processes: Salted Paper Prints

Jessie Harrison Whitehurst, photographer (attributed). [Andrew Johnson]. Salted paper print, 1860. LC-DIG-ppmsca-05704

Dates in general use: ca. 1840-ca. 1860

Description: Salted paper or salt prints are the earliest photographic prints made on paper. The image seems to be in the paper, not resting on the surface. The fibers are noticeable and seem to be part of the image. The salt print usually has a matte surface and is brown or sepia color.

Further information and examples

• Prints & Photographs Online Catalog:
  • view online examples
  • Thesaurus for Graphic Materials term: Salted paper prints [view term - includes related terms]
• Victoria and Albert Museum, Exploring Photography: Photographic Processes: Gelatin-Silver Print

View Photographic Print Processes Introduction and Table of Contents