Author Archives: Robert

once upon a time in Toronto …

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. In our journal, editor Bob Lansdale worked hard to present Canadian photographic history, often drowned out by the cacophony from across the border. While older Canadians learnt British history; younger ones through products, movies, magazines, TV, etc. learned about … Continue reading →

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so what is a camera …really?

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. At left is a c1544 drawing of a camera obscura showing a solar eclipse. In the image, the  left wall has a pin-hole to let in the light. The right wall acts as a screen to allow the image … Continue reading →

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a quest for collectibles

Posted on August 24, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Periodically I receive an email from USA based Michael Lehr Antiques (MLAntiques). The latest email announces their old photography images auction on September 6th. Details and offered lots are on their web site (see link here). A great opportunity … Continue reading →

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wagon ho!

Posted on August 23, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Many old photo collectors have a ‘war’ category. One well known NYC photographer anticipated a demand  and decided he would photograph the American civil war. Sadly, interest in these war photos died with the end of the American civil … Continue reading →

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remembering john vanderpant

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. In issue 25-2, editor Bob Lansdale published Sheryl Salloum’s copyright 1999 article on the famous Vancouver based John Vanderpant titled, “John Vanderpant’s Vibrating “Voice” and Vision”. Ms Salloum’s article begins with this prècis. “From 1919 to 1939, the Dutch-Canadian photographer … Continue reading →

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of mouse traps and man

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Have you ever thought about how photography came about? In early January of 1839, Daguerre felt he had perfected his process enough to have it noted in the French newspapers of the day. Some more modern articles consider the … Continue reading →

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yikes! we missed the anniversary yesterday

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Serious photography historians and collectors know what is meant by a Daguerreotype. In early January 1839, French newspapers published the electrifying news that Louise Daguerre had discovered a way to capture a scene by sunlight and make the image … Continue reading →

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collecting Notman photos

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. One popular focus by old photo collectors is to collect photos produced by a major studio or photographer. An example is collecting Notman photographs. Identifying the subject/cut line for Notman photos is made easier by the studio’s detailed record … Continue reading →

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another antique photograph source

Posted on August 18, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. Old photograph collectors browse our offerings at PHSC Events. Next in line is our fabulous fall fair on October 19th. Check out issue 25-7 of the PHSC News for details. Some of our exchange members invite relevant advertisements such … Continue reading →

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an exciting century anniversary

Posted on August 17, 2025 by Robert

Toronto. 1999 was an exciting time in photography. Digital technology was underway and taking on the mantle once proudly worn by film. That year, however, Kodak Canada was stilll in Kodak Heights and a major presence in Canadian photography. CKC … Continue reading →

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