Pictorial Photography in America 1920 Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

In 1920, what organization did Clarence H. White preside over?

The American Society of Photographers
The Camera Club of New York
The Pictorial Photographers of America
The National Photographic Society

Correct Answer: The Pictorial Photographers of America

Correct Answer Explanation: Clarence H. White, a prominent figure in American photography, was the president of the Pictorial Photographers of America in 1920.

What influential photographic exhibition, established in 1914, helped elevate pictorial photography in America?

The Boston Salon
The Pittsburgh Salon
The Chicago Salon
The New York Salon

Correct Answer: The Pittsburgh Salon

Correct Answer Explanation: The Pittsburgh Salon, established in 1914, played a crucial role in promoting pictorial photography in the United States, showcasing the work of leading photographers.

Which camera club, formed during World War I, aimed to connect soldiers with loved ones through photography?

The Red Triangle Camera Club
The Blue Star Camera Club
The American Legion Camera Club
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Camera Club

Correct Answer: The Red Triangle Camera Club

Correct Answer Explanation: Formed during the war, the Red Triangle Camera Club was dedicated to sending photographs of loved ones to soldiers overseas, serving as a testament to the power of photography to connect people across distances.

What printing process did some pictorial photographers favor for creating fine prints due to its ability to create subtle variations in tone and texture?

The Platinotype Process
The Carbon Process
The Multiple Gum Process
The Bromide Process

Correct Answer: The Multiple Gum Process

Correct Answer Explanation: Some photographers favored the multiple gum process for creating fine prints, using multiple layers of pigmented gum arabic to achieve complex tonal ranges and delicate textures.

Though it offered less control than other processes, which type of photographic paper was widely used for enlarging prints in 1920?

Silver Gelatin Paper
Platinum Paper
Bromide Paper
Carbon Paper

Correct Answer: Bromide Paper

Correct Answer Explanation: Bromide paper was commonly used for enlarging photographs, offering ease of use but less control over tonal values and textures compared to other processes like platinotype or carbon.

What significant event in the early 20th century had a notable influence on public interest in photography?

The invention of the Kodak Brownie camera
The rise of the motion picture industry
The publication of Alfred Stieglitz’s Camera Work
The first photographic exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Correct Answer: The rise of the motion picture industry

Correct Answer Explanation: The rise of the motion picture industry, with its captivating storytelling and technical advancements, had a significant impact on public interest in photography, further contributing to its growing acceptance as a form of art.

What was a key characteristic of pictorial photography that set it apart from other photographic styles?

Emphasis on documentary realism
Focus on technical precision
Pursuit of artistic expression
Reliance on studio lighting

Correct Answer: Pursuit of artistic expression

Correct Answer Explanation: Pictorial photography aimed to express personal impressions of nature or human life, going beyond mere documentation and embracing artistic principles like composition, lighting, and subjective interpretation to create evocative and emotionally resonant images.

Which region of the United States was known for its enthusiastic photographers and abundant natural beauty, leading to a distinct style of pictorial photography?

The Midwest
The South
California
The Northeast

Correct Answer: California

Correct Answer Explanation: California was considered a “stronghold” of pictorial photography in 1920, with its stunning landscapes, thriving artistic community, and photographers who embraced the region’s natural beauty to create unique and expressive works.

While the war initially presented challenges for photographers, what trend emerged in the aftermath of World War I, suggesting a resurgence of interest in photography?

A decrease in the number of camera clubs
A decline in photographic exhibitions
A growing acceptance of photography as an art form
A shift in focus towards documentary photography

Correct Answer: A growing acceptance of photography as an art form

Correct Answer Explanation: Despite wartime setbacks, the book “Pictorial Photography in America 1920” highlights a growing appreciation of photography as a legitimate art form, particularly due to the increasing prominence of exhibitions in museums and art galleries, signaling a shift towards recognizing photography as a serious artistic pursuit.

In 1920, what was a primary function of photography clubs and organizations?

To promote photographic realism
To advocate for the use of new photographic technologies
To foster a sense of community among photographers
To regulate the professional standards of photography

Correct Answer: To foster a sense of community among photographers

Correct Answer Explanation: The text emphasizes the crucial role of photographic clubs and organizations in promoting the art and fostering a sense of community among photographers, providing opportunities for education, exhibition, and networking, allowing photographers to share their passion, learn from one another, and support each other’s artistic endeavors.

Which of the following was NOT a significant factor in the development of pictorial photography in America?

The influence of Impressionist painting
The availability of new photographic technologies
The growing popularity of photojournalism
The rise of photography exhibitions in museums and galleries

Correct Answer: The growing popularity of photojournalism

Correct Answer Explanation: While photojournalism gained momentum in the early 20th century, its focus on documenting reality contrasted with the artistic aspirations of pictorial photography. Pictorial photographers aimed to express subjective impressions and emotional experiences rather than simply recording events, making photojournalism a distinct branch of photography with different goals and approaches.

What did the book “Pictorial Photography in America 1920” reveal about the photographic landscape in the United States?

A lack of diversity in photographic styles across different regions
A decline in the number of prominent photographers
A growing interest in capturing everyday life through photography
Distinct characteristics of pictorial photography in different regions

Correct Answer: Distinct characteristics of pictorial photography in different regions

Correct Answer Explanation: The book highlights the distinct characteristics of pictorial photography across different regions of the United States, revealing regional differences in photographic styles, subject matter, and the influence of local artistic traditions, showcasing the diverse and dynamic nature of the photographic movement in America.

What significant limitation did photographers face during World War I, impacting their artistic pursuits?

Limited access to photographic equipment
Restrictions on photography in public places
Censorship of photographic content
Shortage of photographic paper

Correct Answer: Restrictions on photography in public places

Correct Answer Explanation: During World War I, governmental restrictions on photography in public places, implemented for security reasons, hampered the development of the art. These restrictions limited photographers’ ability to capture scenes and subjects, hindering their artistic exploration and creative expression.

What did the authors of “Pictorial Photography in America 1920” emphasize about the importance of training for aspiring photographers?

Mastering technical skills is essential for creating artistic photographs
Learning from established photographers is crucial for success
Understanding the history of photography is vital for artistic development
Acquiring a strong foundation in composition, lighting, and subject matter is key

Correct Answer: Acquiring a strong foundation in composition, lighting, and subject matter is key

Correct Answer Explanation: 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, recognizing that a comprehensive understanding of these elements is crucial for creating impactful and expressive photographs.

What is the most accurate description of pictorial photography?

A photographic style that captures everyday life
A photographic style that emphasizes technical precision
A photographic style that strives for artistic expression
A photographic style that focuses on documenting historical events

Correct Answer: A photographic style that strives for artistic expression

Correct Answer Explanation: Pictorial photography is an art form that aims to express personal impressions of nature or human life, emphasizing composition, lighting, and artistic expression to create evocative and emotionally charged images, placing a strong emphasis on artistic intent and aesthetic impact.

Which of the following was NOT a prominent photographic organization in the United States in 1920?

The Pictorial Photographers of America
The Camera Pictorialists of Los Angeles
The American Photographic Society
The Photographic Guild of Baltimore

Correct Answer: The American Photographic Society

Correct Answer Explanation: While the American Photographic Society existed and continues to operate, it was not as prominently featured in the book “Pictorial Photography in America 1920” compared to the other organizations mentioned, which played significant roles in promoting and encouraging pictorial photography in different regions of the United States.

What did the book reveal about the role of salons in promoting pictorial photography?

Salons were primarily social gatherings for photographers
Salons offered opportunities for photographers to exhibit their work
Salons were primarily focused on commercial photography
Salons were mainly aimed at promoting photographic technology

Correct Answer: Salons offered opportunities for photographers to exhibit their work

Correct Answer Explanation: Salons like the Pittsburgh Salon served as prestigious exhibitions of photographic art, providing a platform for leading photographers to showcase their work, gain recognition, and contribute to the growing appreciation of photography as a legitimate art form.

What significant role did inter-club exhibitions play in the development of pictorial photography?

They facilitated the exchange of ideas and techniques among photographers
They helped establish a unified photographic style across the United States
They primarily focused on promoting specific photographic technologies
They were primarily aimed at commercial photographers

Correct Answer: They facilitated the exchange of ideas and techniques among photographers

Correct Answer Explanation: Inter-club exhibitions, showcasing the work of photographers from different clubs, played a significant role in fostering learning and exchange among photographers, allowing them to share their artistic perspectives, learn from each other’s techniques, and inspire new approaches to photographic expression.

What did the book “Pictorial Photography in America 1920” suggest about the influence of strong individual personalities on the photographic landscape?

Individual personalities had little impact on regional photographic styles
Strong individual personalities were often overlooked in the photographic community
Strong individual personalities played a significant role in shaping regional photographic styles
Individual personalities were primarily focused on commercial photography

Correct Answer: Strong individual personalities played a significant role in shaping regional photographic styles

Correct Answer Explanation: The book suggests that strong individual personalities played a significant role in shaping the photographic landscape in regions like Massachusetts, highlighting the impact of influential photographers who brought unique perspectives and artistic visions to their work, shaping the local photographic scene and contributing to the diversity of photographic expression in the United States.

Which statement accurately describes the aim of pictorial photography?

To capture reality as objectively as possible
To document historical events and significant moments
To express personal impressions of nature or human life
To promote the use of new photographic technologies

Correct Answer: To express personal impressions of nature or human life

Correct Answer Explanation: The book emphasizes that pictorial photography is an art form that aims to express personal impressions of nature or human life, going beyond mere documentation to capture emotional experiences, subjective interpretations, and artistic visions.

What was a notable characteristic of the Camera Pictorialists of Los Angeles?

They focused primarily on portrait photography
They were known for their minimalist aesthetic
They embraced the use of avant-garde photographic techniques
They became a major force in Western pictorial photography

Correct Answer: They became a major force in Western pictorial photography

Correct Answer Explanation: Led by Louis Fleckenstein, the Camera Pictorialists of Los Angeles became a major force in Western pictorial photography, showcasing the enthusiasm and talent of photographers in California, contributing to the region’s unique photographic style and further solidifying the movement’s presence in the United States.

What is a defining characteristic of a photographic salon?

A social gathering for photographers
A competitive exhibition of photographic art
A training program for aspiring photographers
A commercial gallery for photographic prints

Correct Answer: A competitive exhibition of photographic art

Correct Answer Explanation: Salons like the Pittsburgh Salon served as prestigious exhibitions of photographic art, often featuring the work of leading photographers, offering them recognition and contributing to the growing appreciation of photography as a legitimate art form.

How did the book “Pictorial Photography in America 1920” acknowledge the emergence of new photographic talent?

By focusing solely on established photographers
By excluding the work of unknown photographers
By highlighting the work of new and promising photographers
By emphasizing the importance of traditional photographic techniques

Correct Answer: By highlighting the work of new and promising photographers

Correct Answer Explanation: The book acknowledges the emergence of new photographers with promising talent and ambitions, showcasing their work alongside established figures, demonstrating the continued vitality and evolution of the photographic movement, with a new generation of photographers carrying the torch and bringing fresh perspectives to the art form.

How many members did the Pictorial Photographers of America have in 1920?

Correct Answer: 56

Correct Answer Explanation: The association had 56 members out of a total of 100 artists whose work was featured in the publication, highlighting the organization’s significant presence and influence within the photographic community.

How many new and previously unknown photographers were featured in the book “Pictorial Photography in America 1920”?

Correct Answer: 36

Correct Answer Explanation: The book included 36 new workers and 16 workers who were previously unknown to the judges, demonstrating the emergence of new talent and the diversity of photographic styles emerging in the United States.

How many photographs were considered for inclusion in the book “Pictorial Photography in America 1920”?

500
750
1000
1100

Correct Answer: 1100

Correct Answer Explanation: The publication was compiled from a group of nearly 1100 photographs, showcasing the extensive range of works considered and the meticulous selection process to ensure the book’s representation of the diverse and talented photographic community.

How many artists were represented in the book “Pictorial Photography in America 1920”?

Correct Answer: 100

Correct Answer Explanation: The publication featured the work of 100 artists, showcasing the breadth of talent and creativity within the American photographic landscape, reflecting the vibrant and dynamic state of pictorial photography in the United States.

How many photographic prints were included in the book “Pictorial Photography in America 1920”?

Correct Answer: 100

Correct Answer Explanation: The publication includes 100 photographic prints, providing a visual representation of the artistic achievements and stylistic diversity of pictorial photography in America, offering readers a glimpse into the creative landscape of the era.

How many museums and art galleries were mentioned in the book as hosting exhibitions of pictorial photography?

Correct Answer: 17

Correct Answer Explanation: The book mentions 17 museums and art galleries that hosted exhibitions of pictorial photography, highlighting the growing acceptance of photography as an art form and its presence within the mainstream art world, signaling a shift towards recognizing photography as a serious artistic pursuit.

How many photographic organizations were listed in the book “Pictorial Photography in America 1920”?

Correct Answer: 20

Correct Answer Explanation: The publication lists over 20 photographic organizations across the United States, demonstrating the widespread network of groups dedicated to promoting and fostering pictorial photography, highlighting the significant role these organizations played in supporting and encouraging the movement.

How many photographers from Massachusetts were featured in an exhibition of New England and New Jersey pictorialists in New York City?

Correct Answer: 16

Correct Answer Explanation: The book states that 16 photographers from Massachusetts were featured in an exhibition of New England and New Jersey pictorialists in New York City, showcasing the prominent role of Massachusetts in the photographic movement and the recognition received by these talented artists.

How many prints from Massachusetts were displayed in the New England and New Jersey exhibition?

Correct Answer: 64

Correct Answer Explanation: 64 prints from Massachusetts were displayed in the New England and New Jersey exhibition, demonstrating the significant contribution of Massachusetts photographers to the exhibition and highlighting the region’s thriving photographic scene.

How many members were in the Photographic Guild of Baltimore?

Correct Answer: 6

Correct Answer Explanation: The Photographic Guild of Baltimore had six members, showcasing the smaller, more focused nature of some photographic organizations that sought to cultivate a high standard of artistic excellence among their members, fostering a close-knit community of dedicated photographers.

How many years had the Photographic Guild of Baltimore been active?

Correct Answer: 5

Correct Answer Explanation: The Photographic Guild of Baltimore had been active for five years, demonstrating its dedication to promoting photographic art and fostering a community of photographers in Baltimore, showcasing the longevity and commitment of smaller photographic organizations.

How many years had the Pittsburgh Salon been established?

Correct Answer: 6

Correct Answer Explanation: The Pittsburgh Salon had been established for six years, highlighting its significant presence and influence in promoting pictorial photography in the United States, showcasing its role in elevating the art form and providing a platform for leading photographers to showcase their work.

How many photographic clubs were mentioned in the book as being active in Maine?

Correct Answer: 2

Correct Answer Explanation: The publication mentions that there were two active camera clubs in Maine, one each in Portland and Bangor, highlighting the presence of photographic clubs even in smaller communities, demonstrating the widespread interest in photography across various regions of the United States.

What is the most accurate description of the “multiple gum process”?

A photographic printing process that uses a single layer of pigmented gum arabic
A photographic printing process that creates high-contrast prints
A photographic printing process that involves multiple layers of pigmented gum arabic
A photographic printing process that is only suitable for black and white prints

Correct Answer: A photographic printing process that involves multiple layers of pigmented gum arabic

Correct Answer Explanation: The multiple gum process is a photographic printing process that involves multiple layers of pigmented gum arabic, allowing for subtle variations in tone and texture, creating rich and nuanced prints.

What is the most accurate description of bromide paper?

A type of photographic paper that is only used for contact prints
A type of photographic paper that is commonly used for enlarging prints
A type of photographic paper that produces high-contrast prints
A type of photographic paper that is only suitable for black and white prints

Correct Answer: A type of photographic paper that is commonly used for enlarging prints

Correct Answer Explanation: Bromide paper is a photographic paper that is commonly used for enlarging prints, offering ease of use and versatility, though it provides less control over tonal values and textures compared to other processes.

What is the most accurate description of an “enlargement”?

A photograph that is smaller than the original negative
A photograph that is the same size as the original negative
A photograph that is larger than the original negative
A photograph that is printed on a special type of paper

Correct Answer: A photograph that is larger than the original negative

Correct Answer Explanation: An enlargement is a photograph that is made larger than the original negative, allowing for a more detailed view of the image and often creating a more dramatic visual impact.

What is the most accurate description of “impressionism”?

An artistic style that emphasizes realism and objective observation
An artistic style that emphasizes subjective experience and emotional expression
An artistic style that uses only black and white tones
An artistic style that focuses on capturing fleeting moments in time

Correct Answer: An artistic style that emphasizes subjective experience and emotional expression

Correct Answer Explanation: Impressionism is an artistic style that emphasizes the subjective experience of the viewer, often employing loose brushstrokes and vibrant colors to convey the artist’s personal interpretation of a scene.

What is the most accurate description of a “dilettante”?

A person who is highly skilled in a particular art or activity
A person who pursues an art or activity in an amateurish or superficial way
A person who is a professional artist or photographer
A person who is dedicated to the study of art history

Correct Answer: A person who pursues an art or activity in an amateurish or superficial way

Correct Answer Explanation: A dilettante is a person who pursues an art or activity in an amateurish or superficial way, lacking the depth of understanding and commitment of a true artist or practitioner.

What is the most accurate description of “inter-club exhibitions”?

Exhibitions that showcase the work of photographers from a single club
Exhibitions that showcase the work of photographers from different clubs
Exhibitions that focus solely on commercial photography
Exhibitions that promote new photographic technologies

Correct Answer: Exhibitions that showcase the work of photographers from different clubs

Correct Answer Explanation: Inter-club exhibitions are exhibitions that showcase the work of photographers from different clubs, fostering collaboration, exchange of ideas, and the sharing of artistic perspectives, promoting a sense of community and shared passion for photography.

What is the most accurate description of a “one-man exhibition”?

An exhibition that features the work of multiple artists
An exhibition that features the work of a single artist
An exhibition that showcases a particular photographic technique
An exhibition that promotes new photographic equipment

Correct Answer: An exhibition that features the work of a single artist

Correct Answer Explanation: A one-man exhibition is an exhibition that features the work of a single artist, allowing for a focused exploration of their artistic vision, techniques, and thematic interests, providing viewers with an in-depth understanding of their unique artistic contribution.

What is the most accurate description of a “photographic guild”?

A group of photographers who share a common interest in photography
A group of photographers who are solely focused on commercial photography
A group of photographers who promote the use of new photographic technologies
A group of photographers who are primarily interested in photojournalism

Correct Answer: A group of photographers who share a common interest in photography

Correct Answer Explanation: A photographic guild is a group of photographers who share a common interest in photography, often organizing exhibitions and events, providing opportunities for learning, networking, and sharing their passion for the art form.

What is the most accurate description of the “Red Triangle Camera Club”?

A camera club that was formed during World War I to connect soldiers with loved ones through photography
A camera club that was primarily focused on commercial photography
A camera club that promoted the use of new photographic technologies
A camera club that was only open to professional photographers

Correct Answer: A camera club that was formed during World War I to connect soldiers with loved ones through photography

Correct Answer Explanation: The Red Triangle Camera Club, formed during World War I, was dedicated to sending photographs of loved ones to soldiers overseas, demonstrating the power of photography to connect people across distances and offer a sense of comfort during difficult times, highlighting the humanitarian role of photography.

What is the most accurate description of the “Pittsburgh Salon”?

A prestigious exhibition of photographic art that helped to legitimize pictorial photography in the United States
A camera club that was formed during World War I
A group of photographers who promoted the use of new photographic technologies
A commercial gallery for photographic prints

Correct Answer: A prestigious exhibition of photographic art that helped to legitimize pictorial photography in the United States

Correct Answer Explanation: The Pittsburgh Salon, established in 1914, served as a prestigious exhibition of photographic art, showcasing the work of leading photographers and contributing to the growing appreciation of photography as a legitimate art form, elevating the status of pictorial photography in the United States.

What is the most accurate description of the “Camera Pictorialists of Los Angeles”?

A group of photographers who were primarily focused on commercial photography
A group of photographers who were only open to professional photographers
A group of photographers who became a major force in Western pictorial photography
A group of photographers who promoted the use of new photographic technologies

Correct Answer: A group of photographers who became a major force in Western pictorial photography

Correct Answer Explanation: The Camera Pictorialists of Los Angeles, led by Louis Fleckenstein, became a major force in Western pictorial photography, showcasing the enthusiasm and talent of photographers in California, contributing to the region’s unique photographic style and further solidifying the movement’s presence in the United States.

What is the most accurate description of the “Pacific Coast Chapter”?

A chapter of the Pictorial Photographers of America that aimed to advance the art in the Western region
A group of photographers who were primarily focused on commercial photography
A group of photographers who were only open to professional photographers
A group of photographers who promoted the use of new photographic technologies

Correct Answer: A chapter of the Pictorial Photographers of America that aimed to advance the art in the Western region

Correct Answer Explanation: Founded in 1920, the Pacific Coast Chapter of the Pictorial Photographers of America aimed to advance the art in the Western region, highlighting the regional focus and dedication of photographers to promoting pictorial photography in California, Oregon, Wyoming, Nevada, and Utah.

What is the most accurate description of the “Photographic Guild of Baltimore”?

A group of photographers who were primarily focused on commercial photography
A group of photographers who were only open to professional photographers
A group of photographers who promoted the use of new photographic technologies
A group of photographers who sought to cultivate a high standard of artistic excellence among its members

Correct Answer: A group of photographers who sought to cultivate a high standard of artistic excellence among its members

Correct Answer Explanation: The Photographic Guild of Baltimore exemplified the rise of smaller, more focused photographic organizations that sought to cultivate a high standard of artistic excellence among its members, fostering a close-knit community of dedicated photographers, showcasing their commitment to artistic pursuit and shared passion for photography.

What is the most accurate description of the “Camera Club of Detroit”?

A camera club that was primarily focused on commercial photography
A camera club that was only open to professional photographers
A camera club that was dedicated to promoting the art and offering its members opportunities for exhibition and education
A camera club that was formed during World War I

Correct Answer: A camera club that was dedicated to promoting the art and offering its members opportunities for exhibition and education

Correct Answer Explanation: The Camera Club of Detroit serves as an example of a regional photographic club dedicated to promoting the art and offering its members opportunities for exhibition and education, highlighting the vital role of camera clubs in providing resources, support, and opportunities for photographers to hone their skills and share their passion.

What is the most accurate description of the “Portland Camera Club”?

A camera club that was primarily focused on commercial photography
A camera club that was only open to professional photographers
A camera club that was dedicated to promoting the art and offering its members opportunities for exhibition and education
A camera club that was formed during World War I

Correct Answer: A camera club that was dedicated to promoting the art and offering its members opportunities for exhibition and education

Correct Answer Explanation: 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 and the importance of these organizations in providing opportunities for learning, networking, and sharing a passion for photography.

Which of the following is NOT a key finding from the book “Pictorial Photography in America 1920”?

The importance of photography clubs in fostering a sense of community
The distinct characteristics of pictorial photography in different regions
The rise of photography as a legitimate art form
The widespread use of digital photography in the United States

Correct Answer: The widespread use of digital photography in the United States

Correct Answer Explanation: While digital photography has become ubiquitous in the modern era, it was not yet a factor in 1920. The book “Pictorial Photography in America 1920” focuses on the use of traditional photographic techniques and processes, highlighting the artistic achievements and challenges of the era before the advent of digital technology.

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