Uitje van de Amsterdamsche Amateurfotografenvereniging (AFV) op de Vecht, met camera's in boot c. 1890 - 1895

This stereo card, "Uitje van de Amsterdamsche Amateurfotografenvereeniging (AFV) op de Vecht, met camera's in boot," by H. Ameschot, presents a fascinating intersection of technology and leisure. These cards, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were made by taking two photographs simultaneously with a specialized camera, then mounting them side-by-side. When viewed through a stereoscope, the image springs into three dimensions, offering a compelling illusion of depth. Here, the material itself plays a crucial role. The photographic emulsion, carefully applied to the card, captures a specific moment, freezing the amateur photographers in time. The act of photography, once a complex and costly process, becomes accessible to enthusiasts, signaling a shift in both technology and social class. The card itself, mass-produced, speaks to the growing industrialization of image-making. This is no longer a unique, hand-crafted object, but a reproducible commodity, reflective of an increasingly consumer-driven culture. Looking at this card through the lens of its making, we recognize photography's profound impact on shaping perceptions of reality.