Through a Historical Lens: A Reflection on Newbury, Vermont’s Photography Program
On May 18th at 2 p.m., the Tenney Memorial Library in Newbury Village hosted a remarkable program organized by the Newbury Historical Society titled "Newbury, Vermont—Through a Historical Lens." This event brought together thirty-one attendees from our community to explore the early art and science of photography and reflect on the delicate, time-consuming processes that once defined how we captured the world around us.
We learned about 19th-century photographic techniques like tintypes, ambrotypes, and albumen prints—each with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. These weren’t just images; they were fragile, highly flammable, hand-crafted expressions of memory and identity, preserved through painstaking effort and deep care.
One of the most poignant aspects of the presentation was the discussion of the “hidden mother,” a technique used to photograph young children and babies who couldn’t stay still for long exposure times. Hidden behind drapes or furniture, mothers would hold their children in place, often barely concealed, leaving behind ghostly traces in the photographs. These images speak volumes about family, sacrifice, and the unseen labor behind every frame.
At one especially moving moment during the program, Larissa Burak read aloud a quote by Christopher James from Alternative Photographic Processes:
“There is a mystery to the light that is revealed in wet plate collodion that escapes comparison or explanation. It seems to see what is felt.”
This reflection captured the emotional and almost spiritual dimension of historic photography—the sense that these early images do more than record—they evoke, they reveal, they resonate.
After participating in this event, our appreciation for historical photography has grown immensely. To consider the patience, technical skill, and creativity involved—at a time when each image was precious and each mistake meant starting over—is humbling. The fact that so many of these photographs still exist is a testament to their power and the care with which they were made.
We are deeply grateful to Larissa Burak for her beautiful and informative presentation. Her passion and expertise helped bring Newbury’s photographic history to life, connecting us with the people and stories captured long ago.
Larissa doesn't just teach about these historic processes—she practices them. Her work today continues in the tradition of tintypes and other early photographic techniques, and the results are nothing short of extraordinary. Examining her work is like witnessing a form of time travel. With her Conley 5x7 view camera, affectionately named Connie, she brings centuries-old methods into the present day with remarkable care and authenticity. It’s inspiring to see someone so deeply committed to reviving and preserving this art form, not only as a historical curiosity but as a living, breathing creative practice. In many ways, Larissa is a time traveler—bridging past and present through her lens and reminding us how powerful these old ways of seeing the world still are.
We also want to thank everyone who attended and participated. Your presence made the event a true success—one that was not only a joy to experience but also invaluable in deepening our community’s understanding of history through photography. It was, by all accounts, a snapshot success—and we hope it’s just the beginning of more conversations and programs like this.
Larissa Burak's Conley 5x7 view camera, affectionately named Connie
Tenney Memorial Library- Left: Glass Ambrotype, Right: Albumen Print; From the Newbury Historical Society Collection
Newbury Village, Newbury VT
