How does the daguerreotype process work?
Frequently Asked Question about the extinct profession: Daguerreotypist
The daguerreotype process involves several steps: First, a silver-coated copper plate is sensitized with iodine vapor, forming light-sensitive silver iodide. The plate is exposed in a camera, capturing the image. After exposure, it is developed using mercury vapor and fixed with a salt solution. Finally, the plate is polished to reveal a detailed, mirror-like image, unique to each exposure.