Twee vazen met bloemen, gefotografeerd met en zonder isochromatische plaat before 1899

B.J. Edwards & Co. created these photographic prints, "Two Vases with Flowers," to demonstrate different photographic processes. The images offer a study in contrasts, particularly in tonal range and the rendering of floral details. The composition is straightforward: two vases, each filled with flowers, set against a neutral background. The monochromatic palette emphasizes form and texture. Edwards & Co. used these images to highlight the effects of different photographic plates—one isochromatic and one ordinary. The isochromatic plate renders a broader spectrum of color as varying shades of gray, bringing forth a nuanced depiction of the flowers. By contrast, the ordinary plate captures a narrower range, resulting in a more stark, less detailed image. Ultimately, these images are not merely representations of flowers but function as documents that reveal the technical capabilities and limitations inherent in the photographic medium of the time. They invite viewers to consider how technology shapes perception and representation.