Pictorial Photography in America 1921 Informative Summary

Overview:

This book published in 1921 by the Pictorial Photographers of America serves as a snapshot of the artistic and technological landscape of photography at the time. The text features interviews with leading photographers, Clarence H. White and Henry Hoyt Moore, who discuss the evolving landscape of pictorial photography. They highlight the rising popularity of soft focus lenses, the increasing adoption of pictorial photography nationwide, and the growing demand for this style of work in commercial mediums like magazines and newspapers. The book also showcases a diverse collection of photographs by various artists, each accompanied by a short explanation of the photographer’s techniques and artistic vision.

Beyond technical advancements, the book delves into the philosophical underpinnings of pictorial photography. Arthur Wesley Dow, professor of Fine Arts at Teachers College, Columbia University, contributes an insightful essay titled “Painting with Light” where he argues that photography is not merely a mechanical reproduction of reality but a true art form capable of expressing emotion and conveying a message. He emphasizes the importance of design and the artist’s individual vision in crafting meaningful photographs.

Key Findings:

The rise of pictorial photography in America, driven by enthusiastic groups across the country.
The increasing popularity of soft focus lenses for achieving atmospheric effects.
The influence of pictorialist ideas on professional photography.
The growing commercial demand for soft focus pictures in magazines and newspapers.
The emphasis on individual artistic vision and expression in photography.

Learning:

Soft Focus Lenses: This book explores the use of soft focus lenses and their impact on the development of pictorial photography. The discussion centers around the different effects these lenses create, their benefits in achieving atmospheric qualities, and their growing popularity in the field. Readers learn that while these lenses can create a sense of softness and blur, they are not merely about fuzziness, but rather about achieving a distinct aesthetic quality that evokes depth and emotion.
Pictorial Photography: The book delves into the core concept of pictorial photography, highlighting its focus on artistic expression over mere mechanical reproduction. It explains how pictorial photographers strive to convey feeling and emotion through their work. Readers gain an understanding of the principles of composition, lighting, and manipulation that contribute to creating compelling and expressive photographs.
The Artist’s Vision: The book emphasizes the importance of the artist’s individual vision in photography. Dow’s essay “Painting with Light” emphasizes the role of the artist as a designer, making choices and conveying their own feelings through the medium of light. This understanding encourages readers to view photographs not just as records of reality, but as interpretations and expressions of the artist’s creative vision.

Historical Context:

This book was published in 1921, a time of significant societal change following the First World War. The rise of new technologies, including the widespread use of the camera, contributed to a burgeoning interest in photography as an art form. The book reflects the growing acceptance of photography as a legitimate form of artistic expression alongside traditional mediums like painting and sculpture.

Facts:

American photographers set the pace: Despite the perceived authority of the London Salon, the American photographers were recognized as leading the movement in pictorial photography. This was acknowledged in a letter from the Secretary of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain expressing admiration for the quality of American work.
Soft focus lens: The soft focus lens was a notable development in the field, gaining significant popularity and becoming a defining feature of pictorial photography.
Professional photographers influenced by pictorialists: The movement’s influence extended beyond the art world, influencing the practices of professional photographers. Professionals acknowledged drawing inspiration from pictorialists’ ideas and incorporating them into their work.
Commercial possibilities for pictorial photography: There was a growing demand for pictorial photography in magazines and newspapers, indicating a broader public acceptance and appreciation for this style.
The artist controls the quality of the picture: The medium itself doesn’t determine the quality of a photograph. It’s the artist who brings their vision and skill to bear on the process, regardless of the chosen materials and techniques.
The “secret” of pictorial photography is the artist’s vision: There are no secret formulas or techniques that define pictorial photography. It’s the individual artist’s creativity, intuition, and ability to convey a message that create the compelling work.
The soft focus lens is used in motion picture photography: Although the book notes a somewhat haphazard application of soft focus in motion pictures, it acknowledges the potential for this technique to create beautiful and captivating results.
Black and white photography is fundamental: Despite the growing interest in color photography, the book argues that the fundamental expression of photography is in black and white.
Pictorial photography is developing in the direction of picture construction: The future of pictorial photography lies in a greater emphasis on composition and visual structure, highlighting the importance of how elements are arranged within the frame.

Statistics:

Hundreds of volunteers: Project Gutenberg relies on the contributions of hundreds of volunteers to create and maintain its extensive collection of digital texts.
Over 350 prints: The Pictorial Photographers of America exhibited over 350 prints by leading pictorialists in Copenhagen, showcasing the depth and breadth of the American movement.
100 prints reproduced in “Pictorial Photography in America for 1920” : This collection of photographs demonstrates the diversity and artistic merit of American pictorial photography.
20% royalty fee: Project Gutenberg charges a 20% royalty fee on any commercial use of its electronic works, with proceeds donated to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
$1 to $5,000 donations: Small donations are crucial for the organization’s continued operation and maintaining tax-exempt status.

Terms:

Pictorial photography: A style of photography that emphasizes artistic expression and emotional impact over mere mechanical reproduction. It often involves techniques like soft focus, selective focus, and manipulation of the image to create a desired aesthetic.
Soft focus: A photographic technique using lenses or filters to create a blurred or hazy effect, often used to create a dreamy or romantic atmosphere.
Anastigmat lens: A type of lens that corrects for astigmatism, a type of optical distortion. It is known for producing sharp and clear images.
Gum bichromate: A printing process involving a mixture of gum arabic, potassium bichromate, and pigment, allowing for a range of tonal and textural effects.
Bromoil: A printing process using a bromoil print as a base for applying oils, allowing for greater control over tones and texture.
Multiple gum: A printing process involving multiple layers of gum bichromate prints to create a rich and textured image.
Halation: A halo effect that appears around bright areas in a photograph, caused by light scattering in the film emulsion.
Tank development: A method of developing film or plates in a sealed tank, ensuring even development and minimizing the risk of contamination.
Enlargement: The process of creating a larger print from a smaller negative.
Platinum print: A printing process using platinum salts, known for its rich tones and permanence.

Examples:

“Cables” by Arthur D. Chapman: This photograph of the Brooklyn Bridge towers demonstrates Chapman’s use of a self-designed lens and his ability to capture the subject in a dramatic and dynamic way, even in challenging lighting conditions.
“My Father” by Vernon E. Duroe: Duroe’s portrait of his father highlights his approach to portraiture, seeking to capture not just a likeness but also the personality and essence of the subject. The use of inking on the bromide print further emphasizes the emotional depth of the image.
“Arches of the Municipal Building” by Antoinette B. Hervey: This photograph, taken using a pinhole camera, exemplifies Hervey’s creative and unconventional approach to photography. The pinhole technique creates a distinctive soft focus effect and emphasizes the architectural forms of the building.
“The Last of the Square Riggers” by G. B. Hollister: Hollister’s photograph of the old whaler “Greyhound” showcases his ability to capture the grandeur and history of the vessel, using a combination of technical skill and artistic vision to create a moving tribute to its legacy.
“Still Life” by B. S. Horne: This photograph, featuring a vase, box, and string, exemplifies Horne’s use of color filters to enhance the contrast and vibrancy of colors in his still life compositions.
“In an Italian Village” by H. A. Latimer: This photograph demonstrates Latimer’s preference for spontaneity and capturing moments in everyday life. He uses his stereo camera to document the charm and character of an Italian village, showcasing his ability to find beauty in the unexpected.
“The Railway Station” by Henry Hoyt Moore: This photograph of Grand Central Station highlights Moore’s ability to find striking compositions in familiar surroundings. The use of a small camera and subsequent enlargement demonstrate his adaptability and creative use of available equipment.
“The Hour of Twilight” by William Gordon Shields: This photograph showcases Shields’ mastery of multiple gum printing, using three printings to create a rich and textured image that evokes the atmospheric beauty of twilight.
“Sisters” by Clarence H. White: This photograph of two children playing with toys exemplifies White’s ability to capture the innocence and spontaneity of childhood. The intimate setting and the soft focus effect contribute to the overall sense of warmth and tenderness.
“Sand Dunes” by Mildred Ruth Wilson: This photograph of sand dunes, taken with a large format view camera, demonstrates Wilson’s ability to create dramatic and evocative images of nature. The use of a ray filter and sepia Palladiotype printing enhances the sense of light and warmth.

Conclusion:

This book provides a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant world of pictorial photography in America during 1921. It showcases the movement’s evolution, the artistic expression of its practitioners, and the growing appreciation for this style within both the art world and commercial mediums. It emphasizes the importance of individual vision, creative exploration, and the development of personal techniques in shaping the future of photography. For readers interested in photography history, artistic expression, and the evolution of photographic techniques, this book offers a valuable and insightful journey into the world of pictorial photography.

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