Michelle Henning

In this engaging discussion, Michelle Henning, a Professor of Photography and Media at the University of Liverpool, delves into her book, exploring the intertwined histories of photography, chemistry, and empire. She reveals how coal and toxicities shaped photographic practices and cultural perceptions, particularly in foggy London. Henning examines how colonial photographers linked climate to race, while also connecting photography to military technologies and chemical warfare. Looking ahead, she shares her upcoming research on the environmental impacts of smartphone photography.

In this engaging discussion, Michelle Henning, a photography professor at the University of Liverpool, unpacks the intricate ties between photography, empire, and industrial practices in her latest book. She dives into the environmental impacts of chemical photography, revealing how its materials were sensitive to pollution. Henning connects photography’s evolution to coal and war, emphasizing its role in shaping perceptions of atmosphere and identity. She even touches on the legacies of colonialism in contemporary mobile photography, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

Michelle Henning, a Professor of photography and media, dives into her book examining the deep ties between chemical photography, empire, and environmental impact. She reveals how photography's techniques were shaped by industrial capitalism and coal dependency. The discussion touches on how London's fog symbolized empire while complicating the photographic process. Henning also tackles the intersection of race and climate in colonial photography, alongside the environmental harms of major photography manufacturers. It's a thought-provoking exploration of visuals and their hidden histories.