Pagina 140 van fotoboek van de Algemeene Vereeniging van Rubberplanters ter Oostkust van Sumatra (A.V.R.O.S.) c. 1924 - 1925

This is a photograph taken by J.W. Meyster, showing the contents of page 140 from a photo book. The sepia tones and tight framing create an interesting tension. You know, when I look at this, I imagine Meyster out there in Sumatra, squinting through the lens, trying to capture the perfect shot of these coffee plants. I wonder, was he thinking about the farmers, the economics, or just the beauty of the leaves and beans? There is a whole world inside that small rectangle. The velvety texture of the leaves, the sharp contrast of the white flowers against the dark foliage. It’s not just a record; it’s a way of seeing. Photography, like painting, it's about making choices, isn't it? Framing reality, deciding what to show and what to leave out.