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paper negative

The paper negative is the earliest type of photographic negative. Generally made from fine cotton rag paper, the negative was created by sensitizing the paper with silver salts and then exposing the paper in a camera. The negative was then developed and fixed. Paper negatives often impart a slight texture to the images – given the nature of the paper. Popular in Britain and Europe during the 1840s and 1850s, but used less frequently in the U.S.

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