Review: Camera Geologica: An Elemental History of Photography, by Siobhan Angus.

The main focus of "Camera Geologica: An Elemental History of Photography" is the exploration of photography as a material process deeply intertwined with the extraction of natural resources. Siobhan Angus examines how various mined materials, such as silver, platinum, and rare earth elements, have historically shaped photographic practices and the socioecological implications of these processes. The book critiques the aestheticization of photography while highlighting its potential to illuminate the urgent need for change in the context of extractive economies. Angus argues for a broader understanding of photography that acknowledges its connections to labor, land, and the environmental consequences of industrial practices, ultimately questioning how photography can contribute to a post-extractivist future. [Extracted from the article]