i don't know ...
the way i was understanding "original"
was
entry #4
"the source from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is made"
and even though a photographic print is CREATED in a darkroom (or lightroom),
through interpreting and lovingly manipulating the light as it shines through
the film, it isn't the source .. the film is the source ...
i am not saying that photographic prints aren't beautiful objects,
or it does not take skill or time or state of mine and experience (or lack of experience )
to create a "fine" ( or not so fine ) print, all i am saying is that each
print is an interpretation of the original, the negative.