Platinum prints, also called platinotypes, are photographic prints made by a monochrome printing process involving platinum. Because the platinum lies on the paper surface, the final image is absolutely matte with a deposit of platinum (and/or palladium, its sister element absorbed slightly into the paper.

Two aspects that make the platinum print so special are beauty and permanence. The unique beauty of a fine platinum print involves a broad scale of tones from black to white. The delicate, rich platinum tones range from warm black, to reddish brown, to expanded mid-tone grays. In the deepest shadows, the platinum print still presents information; the platinum whites are delicate and the depth of the image is alive and three-dimensional.

Platinum prints are also among the most permanent objects invented by human beings! The platinum metals (platinum and palladium) are more stable than gold and protect against against chemical reactions that might degrade the print. It is said that a platinum image, properly made, can last thousands of years. It is as enduring as steel or stone and will outlive the fine paper it is printed upon.