Seascape, Normandy 1856 - 1857

Gustave Le Gray made this seascape in Normandy using the collodion process, a technique of coating glass plates with light-sensitive chemicals. The collodion process was revolutionary because it allowed for sharper images than earlier photographic methods, yet it was a demanding skill. Think of the darkroom work required. The photographer had to be a chemist, a craftsman, and an artist all in one. The final print, made on paper, has a subtle texture and a warm tone, which gives the image a timeless quality. The remarkable detail in "Seascape, Normandy" shows Le Gray’s mastery. Look at the way the light shimmers on the water, the distant boats. This wasn't just pointing and shooting; it was about carefully controlling the materials and process to capture a vision. By emphasizing the labor and skill involved, we can appreciate photography not only as a documentary medium, but as a crafted object.