Pictorial Photography in America 1920 Informative Summary

Overview:

This 1920 publication, “Pictorial Photography in America,” provides a snapshot of the burgeoning pictorial photography movement in the United States. The book showcases the work of prominent photographers from various regions and discusses the role of clubs and organizations in fostering the art.

The book highlights a sense of optimism and growth within the photography community. While the war years presented challenges, the authors emphasize the resurgence of interest in photography as an art form. The publication serves as a celebration of American pictorialists and their contributions to the field.

Key Findings:

Regional Differences: The book reveals distinct characteristics of pictorial photography across different regions of the United States. For example, California is described as a “stronghold” with its abundant natural beauty and enthusiastic photographers. Meanwhile, Massachusetts boasts strong individual personalities in its photographic community.
Importance of Clubs: The text emphasizes the crucial role of photographic clubs and organizations in promoting the art and fostering a sense of community among photographers. These clubs offer opportunities for education, exhibition, and networking.
Pictorial Photography’s Rise: Despite wartime setbacks, the book emphasizes the growing appreciation of photography as a legitimate art form, particularly due to the increasing prominence of exhibitions in museums and art galleries.

Learning:

The Evolution of Photography: The reader will learn about the transition of photography from a purely mechanical process to an artistic medium. The text highlights the efforts of photographers to control light and composition to create evocative images.
The Importance of Clubs and Community: The reader will gain an understanding of how photography clubs and organizations played a critical role in supporting the growth of pictorial photography in America. These groups offered resources, opportunities, and a sense of belonging.
Regional Photographic Styles: The reader will learn about the distinct styles and approaches to pictorial photography that developed across different regions of the United States.

Historical Context:

This publication was released in 1920, shortly after the end of World War I. The war had a significant impact on various aspects of life, including the art world. While the war initially caused a decline in photographic activity, the book suggests a renewed enthusiasm and a thriving art scene in the aftermath. The period also witnessed the rise of the motion picture industry, which contributed to a wider interest in photography.

Facts:

Pictorial Photography’s Aim: The book emphasizes that pictorial photography is an art form that aims to express personal impressions of nature or human life.
Influential Figures: Clarence H. White, a prominent figure in American photography, was the president of the Pictorial Photographers of America in 1920.
The Red Triangle Camera Club: Formed during the war, the Red Triangle Camera Club was dedicated to sending photographs of loved ones to soldiers overseas.
The Pittsburgh Salon: This prominent exhibition, established in 1914, played a crucial role in promoting pictorial photography in the United States.
The Camera Pictorialists of Los Angeles: This club, led by Louis Fleckenstein, became a major force in Western pictorial photography.
The Pacific Coast Chapter: Founded in 1920, the Pacific Coast Chapter of the Pictorial Photographers of America aimed to advance the art in the Western region.
The Influence of the Motion Picture: The book acknowledges that the rise of the motion picture industry had a significant impact on public interest in photography.
The Use of Multiple Gum Process: Some photographers favored the multiple gum process for creating fine prints.
The Popularity of Bromide Paper: Bromide paper was widely used for enlarging photographs, although it offered less control than other processes.
The Role of Museums and Galleries: The book highlights the growing acceptance of photography as an art form through the increasing prominence of photographic exhibitions in museums and art galleries.
The Impact of Governmental Restrictions: During World War I, restrictions on photography in public places hampered the development of the art.
The Need for Training: The book emphasizes the importance of education and training in developing a strong foundation in photography, including composition, choice of subject matter, and the technical aspects of the process.
The Value of Clubs: Photography clubs offered valuable opportunities for learning, exhibition, and fostering a sense of community among photographers.
The Diversity of Photographic Styles: The text highlights the distinct styles and approaches to pictorial photography prevalent in different regions of the United States.
The Role of Salons: Salons, like the Pittsburgh Salon, provided vital platforms for exhibiting and promoting photographic art.
The Importance of Inter-Club Exhibitions: These exhibitions played a significant role in fostering learning and exchange among photographers from different clubs.
The Rise of New Photographers: The book acknowledges the emergence of new photographers with promising talent and ambitions.
The Importance of Individual Personality: The book suggests that strong individual personalities played a significant role in shaping the photographic landscape in regions like Massachusetts.
The Value of Artistic Expression: Pictorial photographers strived to capture not only the physical reality of a scene but also its emotional essence and spirit.
The Role of Photographic Organizations: Numerous photographic organizations across the United States played a crucial role in promoting and encouraging pictorial photography.

Statistics:

Membership in the Pictorial Photographers of America: The association had 56 members out of a total of 100 artists whose work was featured in the publication.
New and Unknown Workers: The book included 36 new workers and 16 workers who were previously unknown to the judges.
Salons and Exhibitions: The publication acknowledges the prominence of various photographic salons and exhibitions, such as the Pittsburgh Salon and the Los Angeles International Photographic Salon.
The Red Triangle Camera Club: While the specific number is not stated, the text suggests that the Red Triangle Camera Club was actively involved in sending photographs to soldiers overseas.
The Camera Pictorialists of Los Angeles: The club had a membership of 14 photographers.
The Pacific Coast Chapter: The chapter included photographers from Oregon, California, Wyoming, Nevada, and Utah.
The Number of Photographs Considered: The publication was compiled from a group of nearly 1100 photographs.
The Number of Artists Represented: The publication featured the work of 100 artists.
The Number of Museums and Galleries: The book mentions 17 museums and art galleries that hosted exhibitions of pictorial photography.
The Number of Photographic Organizations: The publication lists over 20 photographic organizations across the United States.
The Number of States Represented: The publication includes contributions from photographers representing numerous states, including but not limited to: New Jersey, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wisconsin, California, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, and Washington.
The Number of Prints Submitted for Consideration: Nearly 1100 photographs were considered for inclusion in the publication.
The Number of Photographs Reproduced: The publication includes 100 photographic prints.
The Number of New England Photographers: The book states that 16 photographers from Massachusetts were featured in an exhibition of New England and New Jersey pictorialists in New York City.
The Number of Prints Featured from Massachusetts: 64 prints from Massachusetts were displayed in the New England and New Jersey exhibition.
The Number of Guild Members: The Photographic Guild of Baltimore had six members.
The Number of Years of the Photographic Guild: The Photographic Guild of Baltimore had been active for five years.
The Number of Years of the Pittsburgh Salon: The Pittsburgh Salon had been established for six years.
The Number of Photographic Organizations in the Far West: California, Oregon, and Washington all boasted numerous camera artists, but the publication mentions that only one prominent group, the Camera Pictorialists of Los Angeles, was organized for strictly pictorial work in California.
The Number of Photographic Clubs in Maine: The publication mentions that there were two active camera clubs in Maine, one each in Portland and Bangor.

Terms:

Pictorial Photography: A style of photography that aims to create art through the camera, emphasizing composition, lighting, and artistic expression.
Salon: A prestigious exhibition of photographic art, often featuring the work of leading photographers.
Multiple Gum Process: A photographic printing process that involves multiple layers of pigmented gum arabic, allowing for subtle variations in tone and texture.
Bromide Paper: A photographic paper commonly used for enlarging prints.
Enlargement: A photograph that is made larger than the original negative.
Impressionism: An artistic style that emphasizes the subjective experience of the viewer, often employing loose brushstrokes and vibrant colors.
Dilettante: A person who pursues an art or activity in an amateurish or superficial way.
Inter-Club Exhibitions: Exhibitions that showcase the work of photographers from different clubs.
One-Man Exhibition: An exhibition featuring the work of a single artist.
Photographic Guild: A group of photographers who share a common interest in photography and often organize exhibitions and events.

Examples:

The Red Triangle Camera Club: This club demonstrates the dedication of photographers to using their skills for humanitarian purposes, capturing moments of home and sending them to soldiers overseas.
The Pittsburgh Salon: This salon serves as an example of a prestigious exhibition that helped to legitimize pictorial photography and showcase the work of talented photographers.
The Camera Pictorialists of Los Angeles: This group represents the vibrant and enthusiastic photographic community in California and their contributions to the world of photographic art.
The Pacific Coast Chapter: This chapter exemplifies the efforts of photographers to establish a strong regional presence and promote pictorial photography across the Western United States.
The Use of the Multiple Gum Process: The book mentions several photographers who employed the multiple gum process, illustrating its popularity as a medium for creating fine prints.
The Work of Clarence H. White: The book discusses the contributions of Clarence H. White, a prominent photographer and president of the Pictorial Photographers of America, to highlight the impact of influential figures in the field.
The Red Triangle Camera Club: The club’s efforts to send photographs to soldiers overseas demonstrate the power of photography to connect people across distances and offer a sense of comfort during difficult times.
The Photographic Guild of Baltimore: This group exemplifies the rise of smaller, more focused photographic organizations that sought to cultivate a high standard of artistic excellence among its members.
The Camera Club of Detroit: This club serves as an example of a regional photographic club dedicated to promoting the art and offering its members opportunities for exhibition and education.
The Portland Camera Club: The book mentions the Portland Camera Club in Maine, highlighting the presence of photographic clubs even in smaller communities, demonstrating the widespread interest in photography.

Conclusion:

“Pictorial Photography in America 1920” provides a valuable glimpse into a pivotal time for photography in the United States. The book highlights the movement’s growth, the role of photography clubs, and the efforts of individual photographers to establish a sense of community and artistic excellence. While the war years posed challenges, the publication reveals a renewed enthusiasm and a commitment to elevating photography as a legitimate art form. The book serves as a testament to the talent and dedication of American pictorial photographers and their contributions to the photographic landscape.

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