Marsh Weeds

An important advocate for the artistic potential of photography, Emerson drew his subjects from the daily rituals of rural life on the Norfolk Broads, a marshy coastal region northeast of London. Opposed to artificial manipulation of the medium, Emerson instead used selective focus and careful gradation of tones to consistent aesthetic effect. This photograph was produced for his last published book of photographic works, Marsh Leaves which contained his most distinguished and impressionistic work. The elegant simplicity of this work marked a turning point in Emerson's career: soon after, he gave up photography for writing.