Camera Geologica: An Elemental History of Photography by Siobhan Angus

Camera Geologica: An Elemental History of Photography is a materials-driven investigation of photography in its many forms. Through each chapter, Siobhan Angus details the application and significance of various minerals that have been mined to make image production possible: bitumen, silver, platinum, iron, uranium, and rare earth elements. In this review, I discuss why Camera Geologica is a valuable introduction to the photographic medium and its close relationship with extractive practices.