Untitled (little girl touching new toy carousel, others gathered in room for birthday party) c. 1955

Paul Gittings captured this photograph of a child's birthday party, likely in the mid-20th century, using black and white film. The photo's material qualities are crucial to its impact. The stark contrast emphasizes the textures of the girl's dress, the shiny new carousel toy, and the party decorations. Each element reflects light differently, contributing to the overall composition and adding depth to the story being told. Photography, as a process, democratized image-making, making it more accessible and affordable, while also creating a new kind of labor for studios and photographers like Gittings. This new world of visual media was deeply connected to the expansion of consumer culture. As such, the joy of a birthday party, complete with toys and friends, comes to stand for broader social and economic shifts. The image prompts reflection on the relationship between materials, making, and social context, blurring the lines between fine art and everyday life.