A Return to Tintypes

Answer choices

1. A

   Correct54% picked this

   When advanced modern photographic techniques are used to intentionally produce prints with imperfections resembling those in nineteenth-century prints, the resulting prints

   Why this is right

   This rules out an Alternate Option, thereby strengthening. Since Estabrook wants the "stains and imperfections of prints made from gum bichromate or albumen coatings" (in order to heighten the sense of nostalgia), one might say, "Why don't you just use a digital camera and then Photoshop those stains and imperfection in later?" But this answer is saying when you try to achieve the same antiquated look by using modern techniques, the result invariably looks artificial. The viewer can tell that you've tried to replicate some old-fashioned feel in some way that's "cheating". Thus, if Estabrook really wants people to find these photos at a flea market and be convinced that they are originals from some long bygone era, he needs to use the actual old-school processing methods.

   Skill tested: Strengthen · how this choice captures the passage's function is the move to repeat next time.

   54%
2. B

   Weakens12% picked this

   The various feelings evoked by a work of art are independent of the techniques used to produce the work and

   This answer makes it seem like we could tell Estabrook, "Hey, I feel ya -- I get the various feelings you're trying to evoke with your photograph. But you should know .. those feelings have nothing to do with the techniques you use to produce the work." That would make it seem like there's no reason for Estabrook to use these more complicated, labor-intensive techniques.

   12%
3. C

   Weaken, if anything9% picked this

   Most people who use photographs as a way of remembering or learning about the past value them almost exclusively for their ability

   This answer is saying that most people want photos to do as good a job as possible at recording subjects accurately. Meanwhile, Estabrook is wanting photos to have weird stains and imperfections. So this answer seems like it's setting up a mismatch between what most people prize in a photo and what Estabrook is attempting to create in his photos.

   9%
4. D

   Weakens, if anything7% picked this

   People who are interested in artistic photography seldom see much artistic value in photographs that appear antique but

   Estabrook is someone who sees a lot of artistic value in photographs that appear antique but are not really antique. This answer is saying that most people interested in artistic photography don't share that view. Ultimately, it doesn't matter whether people share Estabrook's view or not, but if anything this answer gives off the vibe of going against Estabrook, not with him.

   7%
5. E

   Too Weak18% picked this

   The latest photographic techniques can produce photographs that are almost completely free of blemishes and highly resistant

   This is pretty similar to what we were looking for, which was something like "modern techniques don't have features that heighten nostalgia. they don't allow for people to project sentiments and associations." But this is saying that modern techniques can produce photos that are almost free of [the blemishes and imperfections that Estabrook wants]. However, it doesn't say that modern techniques have to produce blemish-free photos. This answer still leaves open the possibility that Estabrook could get the same effect he's going for while using modern photographic techniques. By comparison, (A) tells us that Estabrook can't get the same effect he's going for with modern techniques (the modern techniques would inevitably betray that the photographer was trying to fake an old photo).

   18%