About The Bromoil Process

Bromoil photography is a technique that was popular in the early 20th century, where a black and white photograph is printed on bromide paper and then selectively inked with oil-based pigments to create a unique, painterly effect. While it may seem like a technique that belongs to the past, bromoil photography has seen a resurgence in the 21st century among photographers who appreciate its artistic qualities and the hands-on nature of the process.

In the digital age, where most photography is captured and edited using digital tools, bromoil photography offers a refreshing alternative. It allows photographers to create one-of-a-kind prints that have a tactile quality and a distinct, vintage aesthetic. The process involves several steps, including making a black and white print, bleaching the print to remove the silver, and then inking the print with oil-based pigments. Each print is unique, as the inking process can be controlled and manipulated to create different effects.

One of the reasons bromoil photography has found a place in the 21st century is the growing interest in alternative and historical photographic processes. Many photographers are drawn to the hands-on nature of bromoil, as it requires skill, patience, and experimentation. It offers a break from the instant gratification of digital photography and allows photographers to slow down and engage with the process on a deeper level.

Additionally, bromoil photography has gained popularity among collectors and art enthusiasts who appreciate the unique, painterly quality of the prints. The combination of the photographic image and the hand-applied pigments creates a hybrid medium that blurs the line between photography and painting. This makes bromoil prints highly sought after and valued in the art market.

While bromoil photography may not be as widely practiced as it once was, it has found a niche in the 21st century as a unique and artistic alternative to digital photography. Its resurgence is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional photographic processes and the desire for photographers to explore new avenues of creativity.


The following steps are used to produce each of my Bromoil prints:

  1. A black and white silver bromide print is created using using the traditional chemical darkroom printing processes.
  2. The silver print is then bleached and tanned with appropriate chemicals removing the silver, washed and dried leaving a matrix of gelatin.
  3. After re-soaking and wiping off all surplus surface water the gelatin matrix has now absorbed water in direct proportion to the lights and darks of the original image.
  4. Lithographic ink is then spread evenly over the print. The oily printing ink adheres to the matrix in the dryer shadow areas and is repelled in the water-swollen highlights.
  5. Specialized brushes are then used to further distribute the ink, building contrast and adding a subtle texture to the final print.
  6. The result is a single (one-of-a-kind) Bromoil print.