When I Was a Photographer centers on historical portrait photography, focusing on the mid-19th century practice through the work of Nadar. The collection highlights the intimate relationship between sitter and photographer, employing chiaroscuro lighting and formal composition to capture psychological depth and character.

The book assembles a comprehensive array of Nadar’s photographic prints with annotations that illuminate his pioneering approach to portraiture and technical mastery during the early years of photography. The 336 pages contain detailed visual documentation that situates his work within the broader context of photographic history and cultural production.