Photography is a means of recording temporary effects of light. It began by a process  in which light energy created structures of silver crystals on a glass plate. Now it is created by processing input from light-sensitive censors. Let me introduce you to the early forms of a different kind of image-making, which records time and pressure, instead of light: the mud puddle. Three forces are at play to form its images: water, air and temperature, along with a possible initiating disturbance. Here are some of its images. Notice the tracks of the vineyard operator, going back and forth to check his thermometers, to see if it’s time to make ice wine or not.

In each image, notice how the sun’s interaction with the puddle environment has created a water shadow.

I think that’s a secondary form of image making.

In the following image, note how the disturbance of the large pebble has been recorded by the gas structures of the puddle, extended across time.

And of course, in each image sun and tires have made their own shadow images. Precise records do not require precision technology. They require eyes.