Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing a photographic element and a process of its formation wherein a gelatin silver halide emulsion is provided with a thickener comprising a copolymer of the structure whereinA comprises about 10 to about 20 parts by weight of said copolymer, andB comprises about 80 to about 90 parts by weight of said copolymer.It is particularly preferred that the copolymer be provided in a hardener layer to minimize the amount of gelatin needed and thus reduce the reaction of hardener with gelatin. The invention finds a preferred use in curtain coating wherein there is a greater need for high viscosity materials, particularly at the bottom of a group of layers in order to minimize distortions of the layers as they are applied in the curtain coating process.