Georgia O'Keeffe c. 1924

Here is a photograph of Georgia O'Keeffe, made by Alfred Stieglitz, probably with a large format camera and glass plate negatives. What strikes me is the tonality, the way he coaxes so many shades of grey from the world! It's like he's painting with light. Look at how the light filters through the trees, creating these soft, dappled effects. And then there’s O’Keeffe herself, posed so naturally with that parasol. The texture of the fabric, the subtle wrinkles in her dress, all rendered with such clarity and care. For me, the way Stieglitz uses light and shadow isn't just technical skill, it's emotional expression. The soft greys evoke a mood of quiet contemplation. You can almost feel the heat of the sun, the stillness of the afternoon. It reminds me a little of Gerhard Richter's blurred photos, but with a warmth that’s all Stieglitz’s own. Ultimately, it is an invitation to slow down, to really see.