Michelle Henning

Professor Michelle Henning, an expert in photography and media, discusses her book, which delves into the environmental history of chemical photography tied to imperialism. She reveals how early photographic practices were dependent on coal and influenced by industrial advancements. Henning highlights the toxic byproducts of photography and their lasting impact on the environment. She examines London's fog and its symbolic connection to industrial power, and intriguingly links photographic innovations to military technology and chemical warfare.

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.