PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPER XYZ: DE FACTO STANDARD SIZES FOR SILVER GELATIN PAPER

Abstract

Historical references of silver gelatin photographic paper sheet size and thickness were collected to determine standardized dimensions in use during the 20th century. A total of 32 sizes and three thicknesses were determined to be de facto standards. Despite periodic attempts to create international standards, manufacturers of photographic paper resisted broad standardization and instead relied on traditional and aesthetic norms, many dating back to the origins of photography. Five aspect ratios were found to dominate these sizes, implying that image scaling was a major factor for determining dimensions. By contrast, standards that emerged from the papermaking industry had a small impact on sizes of silver gelatin paper. The identified de facto standards were distilled from a larger population of great diversity, with numerous non-standard sizes appearing and disappearing over time. This diversity is less pervasive with regard to thickness, with single and double weight sizes dominating throughout the century and a medium weight option gaining ground after the 1940s. In all cases, the three dimensions of a finished photograph, X, Y, and Z, reflect practical and aesthetic decision-making. When compared with the de facto standards determined in this research, these dimensions can provide insight into the working practice and intentions of photographers.