Making a BASIC Silver Gelatine Emulsion | Step by Step Tutorial | Analog Photography

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of making a basic silver gelatine emulsion from scratch, a technique rooted in analog photography. The emulsion is sensitive to blue, violet, and ultraviolet light and is a foundational element in creating light-sensitive materials. By following these steps, you'll be able to replicate a method dating back to the 1880s while utilizing modern materials.

Step 1: Gather Your Equipment and Materials

Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary tools and ingredients.

Equipment Needed

• Glass Pyrex beakers (150ml and 400ml)
• Crock pot (slow cooker)
• Magnetic stirrer
• Timer
• Adox Labtime Mini Thermometer
• Potato ricer
• Nylon cloth
• Precise scale
• Glass baking tray
• Syringe
• Black light-tight storage bottles

Materials Needed

• Silver nitrate
• Gelatin
• Distilled water
• Other potential additives (as per your recipe)

Step 2: Prepare the Silver Nitrate Solution

To create the emulsion, the first step is preparing the silver nitrate solution.

1. Measure Silver Nitrate: Use a precise scale to measure the desired amount of silver nitrate.
2. Dissolve in Distilled Water: In a 150ml Pyrex beaker, add the silver nitrate to distilled water and stir until completely dissolved.
3. Set Aside: Once dissolved, set the solution aside for later use.

Step 3: Prepare the Gelatin Solution

Next, you need to create a gelatin solution which will form the base of your emulsion.

1. Soak Gelatin: Measure the required amount of gelatin and soak it in cold distilled water for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Heat the Gelatin: Using the crock pot, gently heat the soaked gelatin until it becomes liquid. Stir continuously to avoid overheating.
3. Combine Solutions: Once the gelatin is melted, slowly add the silver nitrate solution while stirring continuously.

Step 4: Emulsion Formation

Now it’s time to create the emulsion.

1. Mix Thoroughly: Continue to stir the mixture for several minutes to ensure even distribution.
2. Cool the Mixture: Allow the emulsion to cool down slightly before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Filtering the Emulsion

To remove any undissolved particles:

1. Use Nylon Cloth: Place the nylon cloth over a glass baking tray or beaker.
2. Pour the Emulsion: Pour the emulsion through the cloth to filter out impurities.
3. Collect the Filtrate: Gather the filtered emulsion in a clean glass container.

Step 6: Storage and Usage

Now that your emulsion is ready, it's important to store it correctly.

1. Transfer to Storage Bottles: Use a syringe to transfer the emulsion into black light-tight storage bottles.
2. Label and Date: Clearly label each bottle with the date and contents for future reference.
3. Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep the emulsion refrigerated to extend its shelf life.

Conclusion

You’ve now successfully created a basic silver gelatine emulsion! This emulsion is a fundamental component in analog photography, allowing for various applications in creating light-sensitive materials. For best practices, always ensure you work in a light-tight environment from this point forward. Experiment with different techniques or recipes to further enhance your photographic projects. Enjoy your journey into analog photography!