We all bring something to a photograph. When we look at photographs, we project our our experiences onto the image. Our life filters determine whether or not we like the image, or we’re ambivalent about it. What we know about a photograph helps a lot. That’s when we can start putting what we’re looking at into context.
Context is crucial when viewing a photograph. I always say without context, it’s like opening up a 300 page book to page 150. How can you know what’s going on. Or you start watching a 2 hour movie after the first hour. You just wouldn’t get the story. Photography is no different. Context and intention are key to understanding what the artist is saying or expressing.
Plate #113 - “Baby Ponderosa Pine” - Whole Plate toned Kallitype from a wet collodion negative.