The album was inspired by Morby's own fear of death and an incident in which his father collapsed before a family dinner in January 2020 after accidentally taking double his heart medication.

Morby paid visits to the Lorraine Motel, Graceland (where Elvis died) and the exact bank of the Mississippi River where Buckley drowned.

[4] NME's Jordan Bassett gave the album a perfect 5-star rating, calling it an "epic ode to the fragility of life and the consequent need to cherish love, joy and family.

"[15] Erin Osmon of Uncut gave the album a 9 out of 10 rating, writing, "With This Is a Photograph, he offers the wisest and most assured rendering of the Middle American vision he's been honing of late, one where Dylan-esque anti-singing narrates impassioned, earnest and earthen tales of family, place, love and heroes, and a crack band shakes the rafters.

"[2] Ellen Johnson of Paste considered it the "convergence" of his entire discography, an album that showcases the breadth of his "talent and wisdom" whilst not overshadowing his previous work.

"[9] Brian Howe of Pitchfork wrote, "By infusing his artful folk-rock with the unfailingly pleasing sounds of vintage gospel and soul, Morby has made an ambitious record that proudly stands out in his sprawling catalog.