Untitled (girl seated on chair, two brothers standing beside) c. 1940

Paul Gittings made this gelatin silver print, of a girl and her two brothers, at an unknown date. There's an interesting story unfolding here, like a glimpse into a private world. It's as if we've stumbled upon a scene, and I bet Gittings felt that too behind the camera. Just look at the girl's pose – so natural, so unposed. It reminds me of those moments in painting when you try to capture a fleeting expression, a certain light. I imagine Gittings composing the image in his mind, shifting the children slightly, waiting for the right moment. Did he direct the children? How long did they stand there? Did he take lots of pictures, or only a few? The high contrast captures the feel of mid-century America, all gleaming and new, but something feels a little lost too. It’s fascinating how artists, whether painters or photographers, are always riffing off each other, playing with light, shadow, and composition. This image makes me want to go and paint something, a new form to echo this moment in time.