Georgia O'Keeffe—Hands c. 1919

Alfred Stieglitz made this photograph, Georgia O’Keeffe—Hands, and it's a study in monochrome tones. It's not just about capturing an image, it's about revealing layers of depth within a limited palette. I’m struck by the physicality of the print. The surface feels almost velvety, like you could reach out and touch the skin. The shadows aren't just dark spots; they're like a heavy cloak, enveloping the fingers, creating this intimate yet mysterious space. The hands themselves are doing that dance of gesture and form, reaching out but not quite grabbing. It reminds me of some of my own paintings, where I'm trying to capture a feeling more than a literal representation. The way Stieglitz plays with light and shadow, it’s like he's sculpting with light, coaxing out the emotional resonance of the moment. Like a painter mixing colours, Stieglitz uses light and shadow to create a mood. There’s a strong connection to the work of Paul Strand, another photographer from this period. I think they both were trying to push the boundaries of what photography could achieve as an art form.