getting enough light
Toronto. Our then recently appointed editor, Ev Roseborough wrote an engaging story in issue 13-5 called, “The Twenty-fourth of May – everyday”. Ev’s skills as a photographer make a point that to be a good editor one must be devoted to the subject and its history and have a sound network of like-minded contacts.
Ev’s story tells the many ways photographers in the 1800s and early 1900s strived to show their subjects in the best light in spite of the terribly slow media of the day. His story covers the time before we had flash bulbs, electronic flash and faster emulsion speeds.
He gives a hilarious ‘critique’ of the poor photographer who chose the ‘Byron Lamp’ as show in the ad at left. An assistant or two or light stands would have helped …
Ev begins his story, “Photographers have been unwilling to be restricted to the use of natural light to make pictures. Whitening was resorted to, even in sunlight, as a means of shortening exposures for dark complexions.
“The use of instantaneous (or nearly instantaneous) illumination has been an important factor in the development of Photography.
“Fox-Talbot, in mid 1851 , used a powerful electric spark to stop the motion of a spinning object in a photograph, thus predating Dr. Harold Edgerton by some 79 years.”
Members continued Ev’s story, and other articles in the hard copy issue that March of 1988. More recent members could read the stories on the PHSC DVD which includes the pdf version of issue 13-5. To join the PHSC (or renew) see the submenu item ‘MEMBERSHIP’ above (for use of cheques) or see the note at right to join with a card or via your PayPal account. Once registered, Lilianne will have a DVD sent to new members via Canada Post.
Want a flash or other item for your collection? Come to our events this fall. Dates and posters will be posted on this site later in the year.
