View of Amoy 1869

This is a photograph, View of Amoy, made by John Thomson. In Thomson's time, photography was a complex alchemical process involving glass plates, darkrooms, and a deep knowledge of chemistry. The sepia tone of the print results from the light-sensitive materials used. But more than that, it represents the photographer’s sensibility and a desire to create a certain atmosphere. Consider how the tonal range emphasizes the scene's architectural details and landscapes. The image is sharpest in the foreground, documenting the architecture built on the land. In the background, the image softens, emphasizing the port and ships. The whole process, from setting up the bulky camera to developing the image, was labor-intensive. Each print was a unique object, a far cry from the instantaneous digital images we're used to today. Thomson's work reminds us that every photograph is the result of many choices and a great deal of skillful work. It challenges us to consider photography, not just as a documentary medium, but as a crafted object.