Abstract: A photographic printer of the type wherein a web of photographic material is advanced to and from an exposure station and wherein individual exposure areas of the photographic material are selectively marked by a thermal marking system. The thermal marking system of the present invention includes a thermally activated marking tape and a thermal print head which selectively applies thermal energy to portions of the tape. A frictional engagement between the photographic material and tape results in a movement of the tape with the photographic media when the media is driven through the printer. In a preferred embodiment, the friction between the tape and media is selectively established by intermittently establishing an intimate contact between them.