"Shot Gun," Angola, Louisiana 4 - 1999

Deborah Luster made this tintype, "Shot Gun," at Angola, Louisiana. The sepia tones are rich and the figure emerges out of the darkness, it's an amazing effect of light and shadow. Look at how the image is built up through layers of light and dark. This isn't just a picture, it's an object. The process of making a tintype involves chemistry and time, creating something unique. The man's hands are clasped in his lap, and his denim jacket and hoodie suggest a kind of vulnerability. Notice the edges of the plate, the imperfections, each one telling a story. It's like the photograph is breathing. The details pull you in. Luster’s work reminds me of Diane Arbus, in the sense of portraying people on the edges of society with empathy and respect. Both artists reveal the stories and humanity of their subjects.