Paul Rosenfeld 1922 - 1923

This photograph of Paul Rosenfeld was made by Alfred Stieglitz with gelatin silver. Stieglitz coaxes a remarkable range of tones from a limited palette, creating a real sense of depth, which is something I also strive for in my own work. It’s like a quiet conversation unfolding in shades of grey. Look closely at Rosenfeld’s face. There's a play of light and shadow around his eyes, a softness that suggests vulnerability, even. The texture of his suit is beautifully rendered, almost tactile. It reminds me of how a painter builds up layers, each mark contributing to the overall image. See how Stieglitz teases out the detail in the background. This piece calls to mind the work of someone like Edward Steichen, who also explored the possibilities of photography as a fine art. Ultimately, both Stieglitz and Steichen, prompt us to slow down and really see.