Man met een camera met een objectief before 1896

This anonymous image, printed in a book, shows a man using a camera with a lens, and draws our attention to the labor involved in early photography. The book's pages, made of processed wood pulp, offer a stark contrast to the sophisticated technology depicted. This juxtaposition highlights the interplay of different materials and processes in the advancement of photography, intertwining craft and technology. Consider the labor-intensive process of early photography: from the creation of lenses to the development of photographic plates, each step required specialized skills and meticulous attention. The image suggests the photographer's focused efforts, as he adjusts the camera with precision. The image reminds us of the social context of photography, and its transformation from a laborious craft to a more accessible technology. It challenges the traditional boundaries between art and craft, and highlights the significance of materials and labor in shaping our visual culture.