Photography
The Gelatine Connection
All
photographic (light-sensitive) films and papers are covered by a thin emulsion,
which contains a small quantity of gelatine.
Called ‘the
classic colloid’ by chemists, gelatine is extracted from the bones and hides of
cattle and horses. It serves as a binder
in which silver halide crystals are dispersed and grown during the
emulsion-making process. Its usefulness
for this application is due primarily to the optical clarity of gelatine and
its ability to absorb five to ten times its weight in water without dissolving
at ordinary temperatures.
At present it
is not possible to produce photographic film without the use of gelatine.
Digital Cameras
There is now a
wide range of animal-free digital cameras.
Prices are steadily coming down and it is now possible to purchase a
digital photo frame on which to view the images. Images can then be printed out if desired
(see information on photo papers below).
If you do not possess a printer it is possible to print your photos at
the Kodak kiosks at Boots. Kodak state
that these kiosks do not use any products containing animal ingredients
(confirmed Jan. 2011). Take your memory card to the kiosk or put the
photos onto a memory stick.
Printing out digital photographs
Light-sensitive
photographic paper always contains gelatine.
However animal-free inkjet photo papers are
available for printing digital photographs.
They have the high-gloss finish of photographic paper but are not light
sensitive so do not require the gelatine-based emulsion.
The
following papers are suitable for vegans (confirmed Feb. 2008).
Epson: all of their papers
HP: HP Tri-fold Brochure paper – matte and HP
Everyday photo paper – semi-gloss
Post-it: All products are suitable.
Verbatim: all paper except numbers 38995, 38999 and
39005
Heavy uncoated paper is usually suitable for vegans.
Important
note: Product information has been
supplied by the manufacturers, who may change the ingredients without informing
us. Do check first.