Races, Immigration: United States. New York. New York City. Immigrant Station: Regulation of Immigration at the Port of Entry. United States Immigrant Station, New York City: On Main Floor. Waiting To Be Admitted. c. 1903

Editor: This photograph by J.H. Adams, titled "Races, Immigration," shows a crowd awaiting admission. The sepia tones create a sense of historical distance. What compositional elements stand out to you? Curator: The photograph’s formal structure is quite compelling. Note the stark contrast between the foreground and the background. The geometric rigidity of the architectural elements, juxtaposed with the organic mass of people, creates a visual tension. Editor: I see that. The strong verticals and horizontals do frame the figures. What does that tension suggest? Curator: It begs the question: how does the geometric order imposed by the architecture interact with the humanity contained within it? What is being contained? Editor: It makes me think about control and freedom. I hadn't considered the architecture as a character in the scene. Curator: Indeed. The artist’s careful arrangement of light and shadow further accentuates this interplay. Light here functions as a metaphor of hope. Editor: I’ll definitely look at photographs differently now.