Untitled (photograph of woman seated in profile in white hat and dress) c. 1970

This sepia photograph by Paul Gittings captures a woman in profile, adorned with a white hat and dress. In photography, materiality and process are crucial. Light-sensitive materials, precise lenses, and controlled development determine the image's appearance. Here, the sepia tone infuses the image with a sense of nostalgia. The photograph's texture and weight provide a tactile dimension, while the sitter's pose and attire further imbue it with cultural meaning. Photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider audience. This photograph, with its stylized elegance, reflects the social aspirations of its time. The work involved in producing such an image speaks to the era's values and desires. Ultimately, recognizing the materials and processes in photography deepens our appreciation, blurring the lines between art and craft.