In 2016, the “Julia Margaret Cameron Exhibition” was held at Tokyo’s Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, displaying the historical works of the 19th century female photographer.
The other day, I received information that one of her original prints was on sale at an antiquarian bookstore in Jimbocho. My interest piqued, I excitedly made my way there. The thought of being able to see one of Cameron’s original prints with my own eyes had me rushing over in anticipation. One of the thrills of being in a bookstore such as this is that, unlike museums where you are usually separated from a work by a piece of glass, you can pick up an item and see it.
Upon arriving at the store, I disregarded all the other possible treasures in the store and immediately asked the owner to show me Cameron’s work. An English woman, who appeared to have been the owner’s wife, brought out the print handling it with great care. There was no mistaking that it was one of Cameron’s original prints and in good condition as well!
I held the print a few centimeters from my face, so close that I could actually lick it. As I was wearing a mask, the shopkeeper didn’t seem to mind the proximity. Because it was one of Cameron’s original prints and not just a reproduction, I was able to connect with her feelings and perspective towards her subject, even after 150 years. It was a phenomenal sensation. Though it was well beyond what I could afford, I was able to learn a great deal from it.
The next day, I had an assignment shooting a number of portraits. Behind the lens, I felt as if Cameron was whispering in my ear guiding me on how to shoot. The impact of her work lives on.