Reticulation is a distinctive, crazed pattern that can appear on the surface of photographic negatives or prints. It occurs when the emulsion undergoes extreme or rapid changes in temperature or pH (acidity/alkalinity) during processing, causing it to expand or contract unevenly.
Reticulation can be seen as a network of fine cracks or lines across the image, often considered a defect in traditional photography. However, some photographers use it creatively to achieve unique textures and artistic effects. Understanding reticulation helps in maintaining careful control over processing conditions and avoiding unintended damage to film or photographic paper.