Untitled (portrait of woman draped in black) c. 1970

This photograph, made by Paul Gittings, presents a portrait of a woman draped in black. Photography, as a medium, is deeply entwined with both industrial production and consumer culture. The chemicals used in developing the image, the paper it’s printed on, even the camera itself—all are products of complex manufacturing processes. Look closely and you'll notice the way the light catches her face. The controlled studio environment allowed Gittings to manipulate shadow and highlight, creating a carefully composed image, while the mass production of photographic materials made such effects widely accessible. This portrait also speaks to a broader social context. Portraiture, historically reserved for the elite, became increasingly democratized through photography. Here, the sitter’s veiled appearance evokes a sense of glamour and mystery. By understanding photography's materials, methods, and social impact, we move beyond traditional notions of art and craft, recognizing the intricate relationships between creativity, technology, and society.