Orotone photography, also known as gold-tone or gold-lacquered photography, is a unique and timeless technique that has been used since the early 1900s. 

This art form involves printing a photographic negative onto a piece of glass coated with a light-sensitive emulsion, and then adding a layer of gold dust to the back of the glass to create a stunning, luminous effect. 

In this article, we’ll explore the history, process, and beauty of Orotone photography.

A Brief History of Orotone Photography

Orotone photography was first developed in the early 1900s by Edward S. Curtis, a renowned photographer who is best known for his portraits of Native Americans. 

Curtis discovered the technique while experimenting with different printing methods, and he quickly realized its potential for creating stunning, luminous images. 

He began producing Orotone prints of his Native American portraits, which became highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts.

The popularity of Orotone photography continued to grow throughout the 20th century, with many photographers using the technique to create beautiful and unique works of art. 

Today, Orotone photography is still practiced by a small but dedicated group of photographers who appreciate its timeless beauty and unique qualities.

The Process of Making an Orotone Print

The process of making an Orotone print is both complex and time-consuming, but the results are truly stunning. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:

Create a photographic negative:

The first step in making an Orotone print is to create a photographic negative of the image you want to print.

This is typically done using a large-format camera and a sheet of film or glass.

Coat a piece of glass with emulsion:

Once you have your negative, you’ll need to coat a piece of glass with a light-sensitive emulsion.

This is typically done using a brush or roller, and the emulsion needs to be applied evenly to ensure a good print.

Expose the emulsion:

Once the emulsion has dried, you’ll need to expose it to light using the photographic negative.

This is typically done using a contact printing frame, which holds the negative and the glass together while exposing them to light.

Develop the print:

After the emulsion has been exposed, you’ll need to develop the print using a photographic developer.

This process can take several minutes, and it needs to be done carefully to ensure a good print.

Apply gold dust:

Once the print has been developed and dried, you’ll need to apply a layer of gold dust to the back of the glass.

This is typically done using a soft brush, and the gold dust needs to be applied evenly to create a uniform effect.

Lacquer the print:

Finally, the print needs to be lacquered to protect it from dust and scratches.

This is typically done using a clear lacquer, which is applied to the front of the glass.

The Beauty of Orotone Photography

The beauty of Orotone photography lies in its unique and timeless qualities.

The gold dust creates a stunning, luminous effect that is unlike any other photographic technique, and the glass gives the print a sense of depth and dimensionality that is hard to achieve with other printing methods.

Orotone prints also have a certain warmth and glow that is hard to describe.

They seem to radiate light from within, creating a sense of magic and mystery that draws the viewer in.

In addition to their aesthetic qualities, Orotone prints also have a certain historical significance.

They are a reminder of a bygone era when photography was still a relatively new and exciting art form, and they capture a sense of nostalgia and longing that is hard to replicate with other mediums.

Orotone Photography – Wrap Up

Orotone photography is a unique and timeless art form that has been used since the early 1900s.

The process of making an Orotone print is complex and time-consuming, but the results are truly stunning.

The gold dust creates a luminous effect that is unlike any other photographic technique, and the glass gives the print a sense of depth and dimensionality that is hard to achieve with other printing methods.

Orotone prints are a reminder of a bygone era when photography was still a relatively new and exciting art form, and they capture a sense of nostalgia and longing that is hard to replicate with other mediums.