Portret van een vrouw in een wijde rok en een witte blouse met een strikje c. 1857 - 1880

This photograph of a woman in a wide skirt and white blouse was made by Woodbury & Page using the wet collodion process. In this technique, a glass plate was coated with chemicals, exposed in the camera while still wet, and then developed immediately. This complex procedure demanded both speed and skill, placing the photographer somewhere between a scientist and a craftsperson. Look closely, and you can see the remarkable detail captured, from the folds in her skirt to the subtle expression on her face. The sepia tone, a consequence of the chemical development, lends an antique feel, yet it's a direct result of the materials used. Photography in this era wasn't just about capturing an image; it was a labor-intensive craft, with each print reflecting the photographer's expertise. This process, demanding careful handling of materials and precise timing, elevates the photograph beyond mere reproduction. It's a testament to the artistry embedded in early photographic practices, blurring the lines between technology and handmade skill.