Technology
Fact Checked

In Photography, what is Emulsion?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Emulsion is a light-sensitive material which is used to coat film and photographic paper so that images can be made to appear. The emulsion consists of light-sensitive crystals which are suspended in gelatin, creating a mixture which can be evenly applied to a base such as paper, glass, celluloid, or fabric. Technically, photo emulsion isn't a true emulsion, since an emulsion, chemically speaking, is a suspension of two or more liquids which cannot be blended, and photo emulsion is a mixture of a liquid and a solid.

For a traditional black and white photograph, the emulsion is often made with silver halide crystals. When the emulsion-coated base is exposed to light, the sensitive crystals undergo a chemical change. After the exposure, the base can be developed with chemicals which allow areas of darkness and light to appear, and then fixed with a chemical which stops the development process, freezing the levels of darkness and light at a particular stage.

A silver halide crystal emulsion is used in black and white photography.
A silver halide crystal emulsion is used in black and white photography.

In the case of film, the emulsion-coated base is used to create a negative, a reverse image of what was seen by the camera. The negative can be developed, fixed, and then used to create positive prints of the image. These positive prints, better known as photographs, are made by exposing emulsion-coated paper or other materials to a projection of the negative, or by making contact prints, in which the negative is placed directly against the photo paper and a light is briefly turned on to expose the paper. Contact prints tend to be of the highest quality, because there is no distortion from the enlarging process.

Film uses an emulsion-coated base that can be developed into a negative.
Film uses an emulsion-coated base that can be developed into a negative.

Color photography requires multiple layers of emulsion, each of which responds to light of a different wavelength. It is also possible to play with a variety of photo emulsions and filtration techniques to create things like infrared film, a type of film which responds to heat signatures, rather than light.

The materials used in photo emulsion are very sensitive, which is why film and photo paper must be stored in absolute darkness, even after exposure, until they have been developed and fixed. Usually only a brief exposure of light is necessary to expose the emulsion sufficiently for an image to appear during the developing stage. In the camera, issues like light leaks must be tightly controlled, as they can cloud the film and ruin it.

Photographers used to mix their own emulsions and carefully apply them to glass photographic plates which could be exposed, developed, fixed, and then used to develop prints on emulsion-coated glass, tin, and other materials. Most modern photographers prefer to purchase film, enlarging paper, and other supplies from companies that specialize in catering to photographers, as emulsion is difficult to handle and it can contain hazardous chemicals.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a EasyTechJunkie researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a EasyTechJunkie researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

You might also Like

Discussion Comments

anon37922

I am so excited! I just bought a Canon Rebel Eos 50mm...like new case and tri-pod w/flash at an estate sale. I've always wanted a good film camera. I plan to play around with it and try to get some great black and white shots. Maybe I'm a geek, but I'm very excited about this. Now I just need to figure out how to work everything and find information on a film camera in a digital world. Hopefully, it will be easy to find the batteries and film I need. If anyone has advice, feel free to give it.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A silver halide crystal emulsion is used in black and white photography.
      By: eldadcarin
      A silver halide crystal emulsion is used in black and white photography.
    • Film uses an emulsion-coated base that can be developed into a negative.
      By: Africa Studio
      Film uses an emulsion-coated base that can be developed into a negative.