Railroad Bridge, 1990, Apache Canyon, New Mexico, 8″ x 10″ daguerreotype. (Courtesy the Scheinbaum & Russek Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
Toronto. About seven years before our own modern daguerreotypist joined the PHSC, Ev printed an illustrated article by Robert Shlaer entitled, “PRACTICAL DAGUERREIAN IMAGERY”. An example of Mr Shlaer’s work is shown at left.
In the article Shlaer says, “It is from my recent efforts that I offer the following discussion of daguerreian imagery. What I have to say is related to the technique of daguerreotypy only as I use it, and where I use it.
“It is pure opinion derived from my personal experience and my subjective reaction to daguerreotypes. I assume no authority, nor the responsibility to maintain these opinions in the faces of better ones. By sharing my impressions I hope to suggest a point of departure for the appreciation of daguerreian art, both antique and modern. Perhaps my colleagues in the art will also find something of use, even if it be only through disagreement.
“The daguerreotype differs technically in a great many ways from the conventional transparent-negative, paper-positive photography of today [c1990] , and only a little less from direct transparent-slide methods. These characteristic differences include speed, contrast, latitude, spectral response, size, sharpness, reversion, fragility, and viewing conditions, all of which invite or require an imagery quite different from that common to modern photographic practice.”
You will enjoy all of Bob’s article which spans issues 17-1 and 17-2. Members had/have that pleasure since the pdf version of these issues are on the PHSC DVD we send free to all members. To join, see’ MEMBERSHIP’ above and/or ‘Membership Join or Renew!’ at right. Questions? Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.
In 1998, Mike Robinson joined us. Dr Robinson of Toronto runs the Century Darkroom and is an accomplished modern day daguerreotypist. He was president of the PHSC (2001-2003) and later on president of the Daguerreian Society based in the USA. He also spoke to the PHSC late in 2014 on the topic of his PHD dissertation.
