Else Wachenheimer-Moos en Eugen Wachenheimer in de tuin tijdens de dag van hun verloving, augustus 1922, Duitsland 1922 - 1928

This is a photograph taken in August 1922 in Germany by the Wachenheimer family, showing Else Wachenheimer-Moos and Eugen Wachenheimer in the garden on their engagement day. Looking at this image, I think about my own relationship to photography, how it captures a moment in time but also how that moment is so constructed. What was it like for Else and Eugen? I can imagine them posing, trying to look their best, whilst also trying to be natural. Maybe they were nervous, excited, or just plain awkward in front of the camera. What were they thinking? The textures are so interesting, the faded tones of grey, the soft light filtering through the trees, and the details of their clothing. It reminds me of other early photography I've seen. It's like they are frozen in time, but also, their love and commitment feel very present. Like a painting, this photograph tells a story, but it's up to us, the viewers, to interpret it and make sense of it. It shows us how artistic expression can evolve over time.