Kamp 1863 - 1869

Woodbury & Page's photograph, titled "Kamp," is a testament to the power of photography as a tool for documentation and social commentary. Made using the albumen print process, a popular method in the 19th century, the image is created by coating paper with albumen (egg white) and silver nitrate. This process yields a glossy surface and fine detail, qualities that were highly valued for capturing a realistic depiction of the world. The image documents a village in Southeast Asia, and in doing so also encapsulates something about labor and class. The careful composition and attention to detail also point to the labor involved in creating the photograph itself, from preparing the chemicals to setting up the shot. By examining this photograph through the lens of materiality and making, we gain a deeper understanding of its social and cultural significance. It challenges the traditional divide between fine art and craft, inviting us to consider the artistry and skill involved in both photography and the lives of those depicted.