Artillery Waggons, Balaklava in the Distance 1855

This photograph, "Artillery Waggons, Balaklava in the Distance," was captured by Roger Fenton, documenting the Crimean War. It's printed on paper, a relatively new and accessible material at the time, marking a shift in how events could be recorded and disseminated. The image shows a landscape dotted with military infrastructure, all rendered in tones of sepia. Consider the process: a glass negative, coated with light-sensitive chemicals, exposed and then printed. This wasn't just about documenting; it was about creating a narrative, carefully framing a scene of war that’s more about logistics than combat. Look closely. The wagons and tents speak volumes about the industrial and social systems underpinning military campaigns. Each object, from the smallest tent peg to the artillery wheels, represents labour, resources, and logistical planning on a massive scale. By focusing on the materiality and production behind this image, we can begin to understand photography's role in shaping public perceptions of war.