Nanaimo, B.C. , Portret van 5 mannen, waaronder John Macquarrie c. 1885

This is a photographic print made by Pierce & Co. in Nanaimo, British Columbia. It portrays five men, including one identified as John Macquarrie. What truly defines this image is the photographic process. Early photography demanded meticulous work. The photographer carefully coated a plate with light-sensitive emulsion, exposed it in the camera, and then developed it chemically. Each step required skill and precision, a far cry from today’s point-and-shoot ease. Consider the men themselves; their sturdy suits, carefully groomed mustaches, and the pipes they smoke all speak to a specific time and place. Perhaps they were miners, or merchants – pillars of a growing community. The photograph isn't just a record of their faces, but also a material artifact of their social standing. This image reminds us that photographs are more than just representations; they're physical objects, produced through labor, and imbued with social and cultural meaning. By considering the process, we can gain a richer appreciation for the image and the world it reflects.