Author Archives: Robert

out in the sticks

Posted on June 8, 2024 by Robert

Toronto. This cover photograph for issue 34-1 (summer, 2008) of the journal is courtesy of the late Dr Robert Wilson. The child’s portrait is taken while the baby sits precariously on a stick furniture high chair, To describe the photograph, … Continue reading →

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c’est magnifique

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Robert

Toronto. In the spring of 2008, president Clint Hryhorijiw shared the photograph at left with our journal editor, Bob Lansdale. It became the cover illustration for issue 33-4 (Feb-April 2008). The photo shows the executive of the ‘Professional Photographers of … Continue reading →

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octagon and octopus

Posted on June 6, 2024 by Robert

Toronto. One of the Art Deco features Kodak used was an octagonal shutter plate at the front of some cameras. This included the Kodak Brownie Six-20 folder my dad bought in the late 30s and used until he gave it … Continue reading →

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daguerreotypist dreamin

Posted on June 5, 2024 by Robert

Toronto. Do you ever wonder what a dag photographer might dream about while sitting on a grassy knoll in the bright sunlight? If he was a futurist like the fictional  Ralph 124C41+ by Hugo Gernsback or the real Alvin Toffler … Continue reading →

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a boy and his camera

Posted on June 4, 2024 by Robert

Toronto. When the dirty 30s hit, people had to repair and reuse things – money was tight. Even photographers like John Boyd were affected. John was working for the Globe and Mail at the time. Over his 40 year career, … Continue reading →

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pictures at the fair

Posted on June 3, 2024 by Robert

Toronto. For a time a visit to a fair, arcade, amusement park, seaside, etc. could be commemorated by a tiny strip of photos for a quarter or so. There so called photo booths allowed a couple to sit in privacy … Continue reading →

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reach for da sky!

Posted on June 2, 2024 by Robert

Toronto. Bob Lansdale wanted to add more balance to the journal with some ‘camera’ related articles. He was delighted to learn of the massive and exotic collection held by the late  Bill (father) and late John (son) down in the … Continue reading →

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when Kodak met art …

Posted on June 1, 2024 by Robert

Toronto. … deco that is. In the 1930s and 40s the striking designs of Art Deco were a key factor in the cameras offered by Kodak. Our late editor, Bob Lansdale explains, “When Modernism blossomed in the 1930s, Eastman Kodak … Continue reading →

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time to close your collection for now …

Posted on May 31, 2024 by Robert

Toronto. … and visit the AGO! You may find the exhibition called, “MAKING HER MARK: A HISTORY OF WOMEN ARTISTS IN EUROPE, 1400-1800” of particular interest (on until July 1, 2024). While viewing the paintings, think about the artists and … Continue reading →

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making a woodie that works

Posted on May 30, 2024 by Robert

Toronto. While teaching at Humber College, PHSC member (and speaker) Neil Fox taught photography. He had his students construct their own ‘woodie’ to learn the art from the ground up. In the 1800s, skill in carpentry and bellows layout allowed … Continue reading →

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