How was this image taken technically?

This is an analogue self-portrait of Claude Cahun, dressed and styled in her characteristically androgynous manner. She faces away from the mirror and stares directly into the lens. Natural light appears to be the main light source, presumably coming into the image from an unseen window or door. She hides her neck from view of the camera, thereby exposing it in her reflection.

Why was the photo taken like this?

It is possible that the image was taken in this way, as was Cahun’s trademark, as a direct comment on traditional femininity, as the playful use of reflection and the suggestive nature of the image both suggest an allusion to artifice and contradiction. Perhaps Cahun is criticising the vanity and falsity of feminine culture, and perhaps, as is typical of her work, she is using her own appearance to amplify this more modern and open-minded outlook. Furthermore, in classical art, mirrors are often used as symbolism for feminine beauty or narcissism but here Cahun subverts this meaning to reject these traditional views on gender.

Realities disguised as symbols are, for me, new realities that are immeasurably preferable.

Claude Cahun