Photographic paper

Photographic paper is a type of heavy paper coated with light-sensitive chemicals. The paper may be exposed to light, in a controlled manner using a photographic enlarger, to create a latent image, and developed to create a visible image.

There are two types of Photographic paper. The first type and most commonly used among beginners is Resin Coated paper. Resin Coated paper has a thin sheet of plastic over it that reduces washing, fixing, and mostly drying time. This paper has a glossy shine to it. The other type of paper is Fiber paper. This paper takes longer to wash and dry. It is mostly used by more experienced photographers. This paper has a has no shine to it and the surface is dull.

Photographic paper is usually sensitive only to a select range of wavelengths of light. A safelight is a special lamp that emits only those frequencies to which paper is not sensitive. It is thus possible to work with photographic paper in a lighted room. This enables the photographer to perform a wide range of manipulations to produce special effects, and to correct errors made while shooting or developing film.