Straatgezicht in Kalampaka before 1910

This photograph, Straatgezicht in Kalampaka, was taken by Frédéric Boissonnas, but when, I couldn't tell you. What interests me most is how the photographer has carefully composed the shot. This isn't just a snapshot, it's considered. Look how the rocks emerge, with such solidity, out of what we might call a flat plane, yet that plane is actually a zone of deep, shadowy space. Notice the way the photographer has played with light and shadow to create depth and volume. The tonal range, from light grey to near-black, gives the image a powerful sense of contrast, and that's what brings those rock formations to life. And there are other things happening here. The textures are so compelling. The rough, jagged surfaces of the rocks feel almost tangible. Think of this as a conversation about what photographs can be, which continues to this day with artists like Wolfgang Tillmans. It's about making decisions, and seeing where those decisions lead.