Gezicht op een tuin in Fukagawa in Tokyo, Japan before 1893

Kazumasa Ogawa made this silver gelatin print, "View of a Garden in Fukagawa in Tokyo, Japan," using a camera and darkroom processes. Although photography seems immediate, consider the work involved. The photographer is responsible for the entire material chain: acquiring a camera and the silver-based photographic paper; preparing the chemical baths; and, of course, taking and developing the picture. The final result depends on the mastery of many skills. In the late 19th century, when this image was made, photography was still relatively novel. Compared to painting, it offered a seemingly objective view of the world. Yet, the photographer still had to select the viewpoint, manage exposure times, and make decisions in the darkroom. Here, Ogawa has captured a tranquil scene, framed by lush greenery and a serene body of water. The print's monochromatic palette emphasizes textures and forms, inviting us to consider the beauty of the garden. Ogawa’s image reminds us that every photograph, regardless of its apparent realism, is the product of careful crafting.