Untitled (two women in dresses) c. 1966

Robert Burian’s small, undated photograph captures two women in dresses, likely from the mid-20th century. The gelatin silver print technique, popular since the 1880s, involves coating paper with light-sensitive silver halides, revealing an image when exposed to light and developed. This process democratized photography, making it accessible for both amateur and professional use. Burian’s choice of black and white emphasizes form and texture. The smooth dresses contrast with the grainy background, while the stiff, artificial Christmas tree hints at the constructed nature of the scene. The photo's small scale and snapshot aesthetic suggests a personal, rather than commercial, context. Looking at this image, we might consider the labor involved, not only in the taking and developing of the photograph, but also in the making of the dresses. Everyday practices of image making can offer a lens through which to consider wider social and cultural contexts.