What is the relationship between the photo plate and the negative in photography?

The negative plays a crucial role in the traditional photographic process by serving as a template for producing positive images, or photos. When light hits the photo-sensitive emulsion of the film or photo plate, it creates an inverted image, resulting in the negative. This negative image captures the light and dark areas in reverse, allowing for the accurate reproduction of the scene when it is exposed onto photo paper.

In the printing process, the negative is placed in contact with photo paper and exposed to light. Because the negative displays light and dark areas in an inverted manner, the printed photo will show the correct tones and colors. Thus, the relationship is such that the negative acts as an intermediary, making it essential for creating the final photograph from the captured image.