Author Archives: Robert

Louis who? Movies before Edison?

Posted on August 15, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. Thanks to my good friend George Dunbar who emailed me when he found this insightful article. Back in August 29, 2013, the British National Science+Media Museum website in Bradford, UK posted the article by Kieron Casey. Casey suggested that … Continue reading →

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surprise!

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Robert

Toronto.  You do remember actress Mamie Van Doren don’t you? No? What about photographer Ralph Crane? No, again? Then you are either too young or never saw a movie last century in a theatre or on TV! Crane worked for … Continue reading →

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the great yellow father

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Robert

Toronto.  In the early to mid last century Kodak was the pre-eminent name in photography. The company was known world-wide. Retailers featured Kodak film, paper, and if not exclusively camera shops, Kodak cameras and gift kits. Kodak offered every imaginable … Continue reading →

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China through British eyes in 1980s

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. Russ Forfar often alerts me to interesting scientific concepts potentially of use in future photographic endeavours. This time Russ sent me a note on a new book by the British photographer Adrian Bradshaw. Adrian has been interested in China … Continue reading →

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something’s wrong with this picture

Posted on August 11, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. Over half a century ago, I was struggling with my black and white prints. They were terrible. I resolved to focus on improving them and eventually did so by matching my negative contrast to the print contrast and choosing … Continue reading →

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you’ve seen Marilyn Lightstone

Posted on August 10, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. Marilyn Lightstone is a Canadian actress and artist. One media she uses is photography. Have a look here at her photographs. My thanks to George Dunbar for bringing Ms Lightstone to my attention.

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land of the setting sun?

Posted on August 9, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. I remember Japan being known as the land of the rising sun for its flag and post war recovery. A few decades after the second world war, they trashed the German Camera Industry other than the odd high end camera, … Continue reading →

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it’s a Nicca not a Leica

Posted on August 8, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. The Western Canada Photographic Historical Association has been around for years. The late EvRoseborough swapped correspondence with the WCPHA over their logo and ours many years ago. Their latest 5 page pdf newsletter covers the history of the NICCA … Continue reading →

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now everyone is a photographer…

Posted on August 7, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. In the beginning photography was limited to those with both scientific ability and artistic skill. Making a good daguerreotype image was challenging. Over the years the processes were simplified and streamlined. Near the end of the film era, almost … Continue reading →

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what the heck is a Darb?

Posted on August 6, 2019 by Robert

Toronto. In 1957, Polaroid tried a new means and a new medium to show how easy their system was to use. At the time Steve Allen was popular on evening American TV (competing for audience with Ed Sullivan). A demo … Continue reading →

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