10 commandments and US presidents

Posted on January 10, 2020 by Robert

First Commandment… by Dina Goldstein

Toronto. Many people believe in the 10 commandments in one way or another. Vancouver based photographer Dina Goldstein used models (look-a-likes) to set scenes showing the ten commandments and selected presidents and first ladies. At left, featuring Sue Sparlin as a model for “the Donald”, is the first commandment tableaux.

The Saturday, January 4, 2020 Globe and Mail had an article by Marsha Lederman of Vancouver on the photographer and her series. On Goldstein’s website. Sonja Baksa writes, ” This fall [2019], the Canadian-Israeli artist DINA GOLDSTEIN is set to release her most controversial series yet, THE 10 COMMANDMENTS. Continue reading →

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Tommy, can you hear me

Posted on January 9, 2020 by Robert

Fairchild Cinephonic 8mm System ad in LIFE

Toronto. By the fall of 1960, Camera and material makers had tried hard to attract new amateurs to the photography fold. Slides, colour negatives, colour prints, movies, flash, built-in exposure meters, hand held exposure meters, pictures-in-a-minute, and more! All efforts worked to expand the use of photography by amateurs.

Fairchild even tried 8mm movie sound using special film and cameras. Their camera and projector were expensive at the time. This ad (page 55)  from the October 10, 1960 issue of LIFE magazine is a fine example of the short lived phenomenon of home movies in sound. Just think of the complexity involved (a snap today for anyone with a smartphone or digital camera…).

Thanks to George Dunbar for this reminder of yesteryear and a fad that drowned in its own complexity. The title is from the song of the same name in the 1969 rock opera and 1975 film Tommy by the Who.

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taking care of business

Posted on January 8, 2020 by Robert

3D printer part makes film usable

Toronto. Winnepegger Randy Bachman has a great night time music program on the CBC Radio. When he was a member of the Bachman Turner Overdrive band, their song Taking Care of Business was a big hit.

In a similar spirit, Les Smith showed how he made the best of new Lomography colour film by taking care of business. Unable to get the correct width of film, he bought the 35mm size to fit a special holder he made for a Brownie Hawkeye camera from the 1950s.

He demonstrated his successful adaption at our December meeting. Great work Les!

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picture idea of the week…

Posted on January 7, 2020 by Robert

Kodak ad in LIFE August 29, 1960

Toronto. The marketeers were at it again in this  advertisement for Kodak (page 90) back in the August 29th, 1960 issue of LIFE magazine. Kodak made its money on film, paper, and supplies, so it went to great lengths to encourage their use.

As an example, this Kodak LIFE ad promoted the use of photos to enhance letters to others, pre dating modern digital images and emails by decades.

Thanks to George Dunbar for the idea and ad.

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mystery photo

Posted on January 6, 2020 by Robert

who is that man?

Toronto. At our December meeting, Margaret offered a mystery photograph she bought years ago at 10 Editions (I used to visit this bookstore when it was at the corner of Runnymede and Bloor in Bloor West Village.

There were many old books on microscopy, photography, nature, etc. Sadly the owner moved to just below U of T buying out another used bookseller and I quit visiting).

The late owner of 10 Editions was a member of the PHSC at one point.

Margaret kept offering hints and finally the person was identified as the prolific author, Georges Simenon, creator of the well known detective called Maigret.

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lady in red

Posted on January 5, 2020 by Robert

Mother Christmas by Douglas Kirkland

Toronto. I originally thought this post’s title could be Pretty Woman, based on the late Roy Orbison’s song “Oh Pretty Woman” but the I decided Chis de Burgh’s song “Lady in Red” was more suitable.

As shown, the photo is actually titled “Mother Christmas” and photographed by Douglas Kirkland. A fitting photo for this festive season. You can have a personal copy by visiting the European gallery called Galerie GADCOLLLECTION in Paris.

Oh yes, this and other examples of Masters of Photography are being exhibited there under the title Masters of Photography 2019 until the end of this month.

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exploded Canon

Posted on January 4, 2020 by Robert

exploded A490 Canon camera

Toronto. Peter Tchaikovsky wrote the hauntingly beautiful 1812 Overture using cannons to punctuate parts of his opus.

Modern ensembles make do with kettle drums. All this came to mind when George Dunbar sent me the image of an exploded Canon Power Shot A490.

The camera was disassembled and framed by his grand-daughter as a Christmas gift to George.

An interesting memento for a professional photographer!

 

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springtime in Alaska

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Robert

portrait of a native Alaskan taken over a century ago

Toronto. In the late 1950s I worked in Labrador and at a Christmas concert in Schefferville, Quebec. Some of the girls sang this song which Johnny Cash recorded in 1965.

This tune came to mind when my friend Harold Staats showed one of his finds at our December meeting. This was just one of the professional portraits Harold found in an old Alaskan album.  The photograph is attributed to Albert J Johnson.

Harold mentioned a second west coast photographer, George E Cantwell. who lived in Alaska and the Yukon territory.

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silent night

Posted on January 2, 2020 by Robert

Items for our 2019 show and tell night. Photo shows the silent auction things.

Toronto. At our December meeting we try to have a silent auction. 2019 was no exception.

Lots of things for consideration.

All funds were donated to the PHSC, of course.

People jotted their name and a price over the evening. At the end of the night, the highest bidder won the item.

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happy new year 2020

Posted on January 1, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. All the best for the new year from PHSC members and executive.

Click the card below to visit our source website.

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