Capitol Reef, Utah 1962

Minor White made "Capitol Reef, Utah" using gelatin silver print. This process involves coating paper with a layer of gelatin containing light-sensitive silver halides, a technique that gained popularity in the late 19th century for its relative ease of production and consistent results. The photograph's material qualities, from its glossy surface to its tonal range, are all products of this chemical process. The dark and light variations reflect White's mastery in controlling the development and exposure, highlighting the textures and forms of the rock. What’s interesting is that White transforms a seemingly straightforward photographic record into something abstract, almost tactile. The final result prompts us to consider photography as a crafted object, not just a medium of reproduction.