Alfred, Lord Tennyson c. 1888 - 1893

This photograph of Alfred, Lord Tennyson was created by Henry Herschel Hay Cameron sometime during his career, using the albumen silver print process. This was a popular photographic printing method in the 19th century, involving coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, then exposing it to light through a negative. The resulting print has a distinctive sepia tone and a slightly soft focus, which was characteristic of Cameron's artistic style. The albumen process allowed for detailed images, but it also required skill and precision to achieve the desired tonal range and clarity. Notice the way the light delicately illuminates Tennyson's face, emphasizing his thoughtful expression. The choice of this photographic method, with its blend of science and artistry, reflects the Victorian era's fascination with both technological innovation and aesthetic refinement. By focusing on the material and process of this photograph, we can appreciate how Cameron's creative choices shaped the final image, blurring the lines between technical reproduction and artistic expression.