A photographic negative is an image, usually on film, where the colors and brightness are inverted. In this format, light areas appear dark, and dark areas appear light. This inversion occurs because the film captures light exposure, creating a latent image that becomes visible after development. Photographic negatives are essential in traditional photography, as they serve as the basis for producing positive prints. When light passes through the negative onto photographic paper, it creates a positive image. This process is fundamental to the work of early photographers like George Eastman and remains relevant in some modern photographic techniques.