Sunset at Lake Harding

Prior to 1926 there were no photo papers available with a stable emulsion, and most have yellowed to some degree. The sulphur Hypo solutions used to wash out excess silver and fix the print cannot be entirely washed off and they to in time yellow paper. Older papers also often had unappealing coloration so they were toned or printed on dyed paper. Older papers also often had unappealing coloration so they were toned or printed on dyed paper. Because of this it is rare to see a black & white photograph that is truly a neutral black & white before the 1930’s. The new faster papers that were made specifically for the enlarging process that became popular in the 1930’s are generally brighter and glossier but do not hold as much detail. This is parcially due to the paper quality itself and also from the diffusion of light as the image is projected onto the paper. Modern photo papers also contain optical brighteners not found in older papers. When exposed to long wave black light these new papers will glow a bright white. When newer resin coated papers entered the market real photo postcards were no longer being made in any significant number to produce postcard backs for them.