Category Archives: history

one for the road …

Posted on September 8, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Even photographers get thirsty. This photograph is the property of the Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and Orillia. It was taken c1898 by the H. J. Goetzman Studio and shows the ‘Joe Cook & Co., Dome Road House hotel … Continue reading →

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the devil’s in the details

Posted on September 7, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. George Dunbar writes, “Controversial photo of John Turner, by Globe & Mail photographer Tibor Kolley, was published just before the 1984 election in which Brian Mulroney defeated Turner. “According to Steve Paikin (TVO interview, Sept. 5 2022): Soon after … Continue reading →

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value of a photo

Posted on September 6, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Today, we take photos for granted. Every smartphone comes with a camera. Dozens of shots can be taken on a whim at no further cost to the owner of the little technical marvel. It wasn’t always so.  At its … Continue reading →

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ya seen one …

Posted on September 5, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. …ya seen ’em all! Or so a cynic might say. And with reason. Broadly speaking, cameras, cars, computers – and any other mass produced thing  begins to look the same as its stable mates. To a critical eye, they … Continue reading →

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low contrast 16mm colour in 1962

Posted on September 4, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Those of you who grew up with or use film know that the faster the film the lower the contrast. My first venture in colour was with Kodachrome when it was ASA 10. Hence it produced inky black shadows … Continue reading →

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Apollo Remastered

Posted on September 3, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Over a half century ago, man first walked on the moon. In the Apollo flights, photography recorded the events. In those days photography was film based and suffered the usual amateur and film issues – focus, stability, exposure, resolution … Continue reading →

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the digital dilemma or where have all the photos gone

Posted on September 3, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. My good friend, George Dunbar, writes, “I’ve just discovered this 2005 article in my files and thought it may be useful. “It was published in the local newsletter of an Apple/MAC computer club. As many of you know, this … Continue reading →

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and the winner is …

Posted on August 27, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. Like many of the inventions in the 1800s, more than one person came up with the same idea. Take the electric light. Edison is credited with the invention over here, but at the same time Swan in  England is … Continue reading →

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cars and photos – a natural combination

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. The photo at left is from the VPL (a PHSC member). The cut line reads, ” 100 years ago US and Canadian auto clubs met in Blaine, WA.  Photo, Stuart Thomson January 26, 1918 – Vancouver Public Library”. A big … Continue reading →

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today’s worthless junk …

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Robert

Toronto. … tomorrow’s rare historical artifact. In the 1930’s the FSA photographers recorded farm and rural life as affected by drought and depression. To be sure only chosen images were printed, all outtakes were uniquely marked as rejects. George Dunbar … Continue reading →

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