Untitled (couple standing for portrait in studio) c. 1940

Editor: Here we see an untitled photographic negative by John Deusing. It pictures a couple standing formally in a studio. It's kind of eerie, seeing the inverse of light and shadow. What's your take on this ghostly image? Curator: It speaks to the magic of early photography, doesn't it? This reversal, this peek behind the curtain. It feels intensely personal, almost like looking into a forgotten memory. Does it evoke a specific era for you? Editor: It does – like the 1930s or 40s. I see hints of that in their clothing. Curator: Exactly! It's a fascinating glimpse into a moment in time, a portal to a different world. I wonder what their story was? Editor: Me too. The fact that it's a negative just makes them feel more distant, somehow. Thanks for sharing your insights. Curator: My pleasure. It’s a reminder that every picture, every image, holds a multitude of possible stories.