In the early days of photography, photographs were processed using a variety of chemical techniques. After an image was captured on a photosensitive material, such as a glass plate or film negative, it was developed using a combination of chemicals to bring out the image.
The most common early photographic processes included daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, and tintypes, which used silver-coated plates or sheets of metal. These plates were exposed to light and then developed using a series of chemical baths that included solutions of mercury, silver nitrate, and sodium thiosulfate.
Later, in the 19th and 20th centuries, photographic film became the primary medium for capturing and processing images. This involved exposing the film to light and then developing it in a series of chemical baths that included solutions of developer, stop bath, and fixer.
Photographic paper was also used to create prints of the images. This involved exposing the paper to light through a negative, and then developing it using similar chemical processes to those used with film.
Overall, the processing of photographs in the early days of photography was a complex and delicate process that required skill and expertise. Despite the advancements in technology and the rise of digital photography, many photographers still use traditional film and chemical processes to create stunning images today.