Pictorial Photography in America 1922 Informative Summary

Overview:

Pictorial Photography in America 1922 is a collection of essays and photographic works celebrating the advancement of photography as an art form in the early 20th century. The book features works from prominent photographers, including Clarence H. White, Arnold Genthe, and Edward Weston, showcasing their unique perspectives and artistic styles. The essays explore the essential elements of pictorial photography, emphasizing the importance of sincerity, ideas, and craftsmanship. They critique the trend of seeking originality for its own sake, advocating for a genuine, heartfelt approach to the medium. The authors also discuss the evolution of photographic techniques, the role of exhibitions, and the growing convergence of amateur and professional photographers.

The book provides a glimpse into the vibrant photographic scene of 1922, highlighting the artistic maturity and evolving standards of pictorial photography. It celebrates the diversity of photographic expression, showcasing works across various genres, including landscapes, portraits, urban scenes, and everyday life. It also provides a platform for discussing the future of photography, emphasizing the importance of fostering a community of photographers and encouraging public appreciation for the art.

Key findings:

The book emphasizes the importance of sincerity in art, arguing that genuine expression surpasses the pursuit of originality for its own sake.
It highlights the growing recognition of photography as an art form, referencing the increasing number of museums displaying photographic work.
The book acknowledges the importance of exhibitions and their role in promoting the appreciation and development of photographic art.
It stresses the convergence of amateur and professional photographers, emphasizing the shared passion for artistic expression.
The authors underline the importance of developing artistic vision and craftsmanship, advocating for a thoughtful approach to composition and execution.

Learning:

The reader will learn about the development of pictorial photography in America in 1922, understanding the context of the art form’s growth and recognition.
The text stresses the importance of sincere expression in art, challenging the idea that originality should be the primary goal.
The reader will learn about the specific techniques and processes used by photographers at the time, including bromoil, bromoil transfer, and platinum printing.
The book encourages readers to appreciate the diversity of photographic expression, highlighting different genres and artistic styles.
It will help the reader understand the importance of exhibitions in showcasing and fostering the appreciation of photographic art.

Historical Context:

The text was published in 1922, a time of significant change and progress in American society. The country was experiencing an economic boom following World War I, and there was a growing interest in art and culture. The rise of modernism was beginning to influence American art, but traditional values remained strong. The text reflects these tensions, emphasizing the importance of both tradition and innovation in photographic art. The text also highlights the changing role of women in society, as evidenced by the prominent female photographers featured in the book.

Facts:

The book includes works from many prominent photographers of the time, such as Clarence H. White, Arnold Genthe, and Edward Weston.
The book argues that sincere expression in art is more valuable than the pursuit of originality for its own sake.
The text acknowledges the increasing recognition of photography as a legitimate art form, highlighting the growing number of museums featuring photographic exhibitions.
The book discusses the convergence of amateur and professional photographers, showing that both groups are driven by a shared passion for artistic expression.
The text notes the popularity of bromoil and bromoil transfer processes among photographers at the time.
The book mentions that platinum paper is not being manufactured in America at the time, lamenting the loss of a highly regarded printing process.
The book highlights the importance of exhibitions in showcasing and encouraging the development of photographic art.
The book advocates for the creation of a great international exhibition in New York City to further promote photographic art.
The book discusses the difficulties faced by editors and art directors in selecting high-quality work from a vast pool of submissions.
The book emphasizes the importance of thoughtful composition and careful execution in photography.
The text argues that distinction in art is a result of genuine talent and effort rather than a deliberate goal.
The book discusses the formation of The Pictorial Photographers of America, a society dedicated to promoting and developing the art of photography.
The text details the creation of the Art Center, a New York institution dedicated to fostering various arts and crafts, including photography.
The book recounts the monthly meetings held by The Pictorial Photographers of America, which featured presentations from prominent photographers and print contests.
The text details the society’s exhibitions, including a large show featuring 162 prints from its members.
The book mentions the society’s collaboration with The Club Photographer of Great Britain, contributing articles and illustrations for a special issue.
The book highlights the society’s international reach, referencing orders for Pictorial Photography in America from Japan.
The text notes the loss of two prominent members, Edward R. Dickson and Richard H. Rice, recognizing their contributions to the field of photography.
The book discusses the importance of public support and donations in sustaining the mission of the society.

Statistics:

The book features works from almost one thousand photographers.
The Pictorial Photographers of America society includes 162 members, representing all parts of the country.
The society’s exhibition at the Art Center displayed 162 prints, representing the diversity of the society’s members.
The book notes that Richard H. Rice produced half a hundred landscape studies during his lifetime.
The book mentions that a prominent cartoonist was once asked where he got his ideas, to which he responded “what ideas?”
The text mentions the increasing variety of cameras and photographic materials available to amateur photographers.
The society’s exhibition at the Art Center was viewed by a large audience.
The book notes that two large orders for Pictorial Photography in America were received from Japan.

Terms:

Pictorial Photography: A style of photography that emphasizes artistic expression and aesthetic qualities, often using techniques such as soft focus, selective focus, and evocative lighting to create a mood or feeling.
Bromoil: A photographic printing process that involves transferring an image from a bromide print to an oil-based surface, allowing for greater control over tonality and texture.
Bromoil Transfer: A variation of the bromoil process where the image is transferred to a different surface, such as paper or canvas, offering greater versatility and artistic freedom.
Platinum Print: A photographic printing process using platinum salts, known for its rich blacks and subtle tones.
Palladiotype: A photographic printing process using palladium salts, similar to platinum printing in its tonal range but with a warmer brown tone.
Composition: The arrangement of elements within a photograph, including lines, shapes, and forms, to create visual interest and balance.
Enlarger: A photographic device used to project a negative onto a piece of photographic paper to create a larger print.
Spotlight: A type of lighting equipment used to create focused beams of light for illuminating subjects in photography.
Aesthetic: Relating to beauty and artistic taste.
Art Director: A professional responsible for the visual aspects of a publication or project.

Examples:

The text mentions the work of D. O. Hill, an early master of photography who achieved exceptional results with simple lighting techniques.
The book highlights the work of Mrs. Kasebier, Frank Eugene, and Steichen, photographers who found lasting fame through their photographic work.
The text discusses the work of Edward R. Dickson, a photographer who dedicated his life to artistic creation and published the journal Platinum Print.
The book cites the example of Richard H. Rice, an industrial leader who used photography as a creative outlet, creating evocative landscape studies.
The book includes a description of the Art Center, a space dedicated to fostering various arts and crafts, bringing producers and users together.
The text mentions a presentation by Ben J. Lubschez on the “Story of the Motion Picture” and Herbert J. Seligman on “Cinema Plastik” at a meeting of The Pictorial Photographers of America.
The book discusses the society’s partnership with Shadowland Magazine for a series of monthly print contests, highlighting the magazine’s contribution to photographic promotion and publicity.
The book includes a memorial account of Edward R. Dickson’s life and work, highlighting his dedication to photography and his creative output.
The book mentions the society’s collaboration with the Copenhagen Photographic Amateur Club, showcasing the society’s international connections and exchange of photographic ideas.

Conclusion:

Pictorial Photography in America 1922 offers a valuable glimpse into the early 20th-century photographic scene. The book showcases the diverse artistic expressions of photographers, emphasizing the importance of sincerity, artistic vision, and technical mastery. It highlights the growing recognition of photography as a legitimate art form, acknowledging its place within the larger cultural landscape. It also emphasizes the importance of fostering a community of photographers, promoting exhibitions, and encouraging public appreciation for the art. This collection serves as a testament to the enduring power of photography to capture moments, evoke emotions, and inspire creativity. The book’s focus on sincerity and genuine expression resonates even today, offering valuable insights for anyone seeking to explore the artistic potential of photography.

Learn more