Boston 1999

Betsy Karel made this photograph, titled Boston, using traditional darkroom processes. The richness of the black and white tones here comes from the labor-intensive processes of film photography. This isn't just a snapshot; it's a carefully composed and developed image. Karel likely used a medium or large format camera, requiring a deliberate approach to capture the scene. The developing process itself is a craft, demanding precision in timing and chemical mixtures to achieve the desired contrast and depth. The photograph's inherent qualities lie in its ability to capture a fleeting moment with remarkable clarity. It’s a testament to the photographer's skill in manipulating light and shadow to create a palpable sense of atmosphere. Through darkroom techniques, Karel draws our attention to the subjects' expressions, and the starkness of their surroundings. By highlighting the materiality and making of the image, we can understand the photograph as more than just a representation. It embodies the rich traditions of photographic practice and aesthetics.