In it's simplest form, a monochrome carbon print begins with a support, usually an inexpensive paper, that is covered with a layer of pigmented gelatin and is generally called a tissue.

This tissue is made light sensitive and then exposed to ultraviolet light through a full sized negative that is held in direct contact with the sensitized gelatin of the tissue.

The tissue, once exposed, is then mated with a final support of high quality archival paper and allowed to fully bond with it. The tissue and paper sandwich is then immersed in warm water until the gelatin softens and the original paper base is stripped away,

The remaining dissolvable gelatin is washed away and the final image remains on the archival support paper.

This process is repeated a minimum of three times, using cyan, magenta, and yellow tissues to produce a color image.

The many variables of the process allow subtle control over the appearance of the image and allow for the possibility of an almost infinite range of artistic expression.

The carbon process can be considered the chameleon of the alternative photo world in that it can imitate the look of a normal silver gelatin print, but depending on how it is made, can also possess the three dimensional depth that is unique to a carbon print.

The depth or physical relief of the image can range from flat and totally nonexistent to an actual three dimensional effect that can be felt with the fingers as well as seen.

This relief effect is unique to carbon prints and is created by controlling the printing characteristics of the individual tissues or printing plates that are used to make up the image.