Uploaded March 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
So what is a gelatin emulsion and how can you make one?
To get started we're going to swell and melt some gelatin in distilled water.
Then we have to add a chemical called a “halide”. Once our halide is dissolved we're going to use a syringe to add silver nitrate to the mix.
The silver and halide combine to make MILLIONS of tiny light sensitive crystals suspended within the gelatin.
Eventually the emulsion will be coated on glass, flexible plastic or paper.
This “Emulsion” is the basis for all modern photo materials.
So if you’ve shot a roll of film, you’ve used a gelatin emulsion!
Want to learn how to make your own emulsion? At home, from scratch, just like George Eastman?
Then come join us in the Eastman Museum Darkroom and visit our website for more information.
So what is a gelatin emulsion and how can you make one?
To get started we're going to swell and melt some gelatin in distilled water.
Then we have to add a chemical called a “halide”. Once our halide is dissolved we're going to use a syringe to add silver nitrate to the mix.
The silver and halide combine to make MILLIONS of tiny light sensitive crystals suspended within the gelatin.
Eventually the emulsion will be coated on glass, flexible plastic or paper.
This “Emulsion” is the basis for all modern photo materials.
So if you’ve shot a roll of film, you’ve used a gelatin emulsion!
Want to learn how to make your own emulsion? At home, from scratch, just like George Eastman?
Then come join us in the Eastman Museum Darkroom and visit our website for more information.
