Gelatin is a natural protein derived from animal sources, used in photography to suspend silver halide crystals evenly in an emulsion on the surface of photographic paper and film. This emulsion layer is essential for capturing and developing images.
The quality and consistency of gelatin affect image sharpness, tonal range, and the overall photographic result. Understanding gelatin is important for traditional film and print processes, as it plays a critical role in how light-sensitive materials respond during exposure and development.