St. Gabriel, Louisiana 1 - 1999

Deborah Luster created this portrait in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, using a photographic process called tintype. This method, popular in the 19th century, involves creating a direct positive on a thin sheet of metal, in this case, iron. Unlike modern photography, tintypes are unique, unrepeatable objects. The process gives the image a distinctive look: a slightly ethereal quality, with a warm, sepia tone. Consider the labor involved: each image requires careful preparation of the metal plate, precise timing during exposure, and immediate development. This hands-on approach contrasts sharply with our digital age of instant images. Luster’s choice of tintype connects us to the history of photography as craft. It also invites reflection on the subjects of her portraits, often people living on the margins of society, and the amount of work involved in their survival. The use of tintype elevates their images beyond mere documentation, honoring their presence with a process that is both historical and deeply human.