This photograph was one of five portraits grouped by Hime under the heading "Native Races." The woman's reclining pose was not simply an artistic composition; it had functional origins as well. The slow exposure time of the wet-plate camera used by Hime required a sitter to hold a pose for several seconds. When indoors, photographers used special stands, waist clamps, head rests, chair arms, and table tops to keep a person rigid for the duration of the exposure. Higher light levels outdoors reduced the exposure time; however, the sitter was still required to keep a relaxed pose where head, hands, and body remained motionless.