American Photo Studio, Philippines, c. 1900

A sign reading "Fotografia Americana" hangs above the entrance to a photography studio in Valencia, Philippines. The photographers are posed outside of their shop. Four men stand outside, and one man leans out the window beneath a boldly painted American flag. The rest of the image is lightly painted. The flag's presence indicates that this photograph was taken after the Spanish-American War when the Treaty of Paris gave the US control over the Philippines. It is possible that these Philippine photographers were capitalizing on the stationing of Americans and American troops in the islands. 
 
The photographers “Lenarez and Bodurtha, Valencia” are printed on
the border of the mount. 
 
Photographer: Lenarez and Bodurtha, Valencia
Format & Size: 8 x 10 oval albumen print in original 10 x 12 frame
Condition: Good