Photographic Paper: Photographic paper is essentially a large format film that you will use to transfer your negative image to a positive one. Because it’s like the film that you use in your camera, it can be just as important. There are two types of paper for enlarging black and white film, RC, or resin-coated, and Fiber, and within those types, you can choose among a variety of paper to diversify the look of your prints.

RC Paper, or resin-coated paper is significantly less expensive than fiber paper and it’s easier to use and requires less time and care than fiber paper. Because the chemicals do not soak into the material of the paper, which is essentially plastic, each step of the process of developing a print is shortened, especially the process of washing. However, overall, it is less archival and some might argue that it produces a lesser quality print. Types of RC paper to experiment with include glossy, matte, and my personal favorite, pearl, a finish in between glossy and matte.

Fiber paper requires more time in the developer, less time in the fixer, and more time during washing. It doesn’t have that plastic surface, so you if you feel so inclined, you can paint on the surface with watercolor paints, or special inks made for photo-tinting or spot correction. Often, fiber paper provides a more classic look to the print, pulling out richer gradations in the silver. It is more expensive, but once you are comfortable with printing, it is definitely worth using. It’s more archival, so you don’t have to worry about your print degrading as quickly over time.