I don't consider myself particularly old. But I have been taking photographs for a long time. And although I used some sophisticated mid 1980's equipment, the actual photographic technique that I employed was the same one that has been in use since before the American Civil War.
That process involved exposing light sensitive chemicals to a projected image, and then preserving the image by "fixing" the active chemicals into a semi-permanent state of preservation.
The photographer was responsible for exposing the film for the correct amount of time for the amount of light allowed to be projected on to the film surface. The process was irrevocable, as once the film was exposed it was committed to the shot.
But the photographs that resulted were "real" images, permanently etched into cellulose and relatively stable, especially if stored in a cool dark place.
And you don't need a computer or disk drive or printer to see them. A magnifying glass is all you need to enjoy the captured and preserved frame!
Yes, it was a lot of trouble and a lot of expense, but it was also mysterious and fun and the waiting for processing contributed to suspense of whether or not a good image was produced!
I'm feeling a little nostalgic. I think I'll dig out some of those transparencies tonight!
Photo Courtesy of SmokyPhotos.com
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All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
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Richard, I must be really old. I remember the Polaroid camera from the 60's.
Richard-- Sure it all sounds like just yesterday to me.. I can not imagine how my parents feel about such things right now!
Leolinda...
And those cameras were the most amazing things ... a picture developed right before your eyes! That was so cool! Thanks for the comment.
Montana...
My daughter once asked me if television was invented when I was a kid. Geesh, I wonder how old she thinks I am? lol and thanks.
Richard, I bet you are having a great time looking at them. I was not into photography until a few years ago. I liked other art mediums better when I was younger. Now I so wish I had learned years ago, I believe that would give me quite an edge. Your photos are always so amazing!
Have fun!
Richard - I had a cousin-in-law who was really into photography back in the 60s and 70s. He did the most amazing portraits. Thankfully, he did one of me and my son. We certainly weren't in our "best clothes" as I might have liked since it was rather spur of the moment during one of our vistis. However, the images he made of us still remain my most treasured. One, because he honored me to photograph us. And, two because his images always caught some evocative feelings in the subject. I don't know how he did it. But, the photos of all of the relatives that he photographed that I have are treasures still. Most have passed, including him, but he was a true artist. And, I loved his lab. It was strange and beautiful. So I understand your passion. I wouldn't have a clue as how to accomplish what you do, but I do recognize true art when I see it. Thank you.
Hi Andrea...
It was something that I took up as a teenager by didn't get serious until purchased a 35MM camera and started shooting manually! It was a wonderfully learning experience and a lot of magical photos resulted! Thanks as always for the very nice words!
Susan...
Oddly enough, I have never been very good at portraits, it's such a specialized area of photography, and proper lighting is the most important element. I'm glad that you and your family see the value of these very special photographs. I''m certain that your relative would appreciate how much you appreciate his work!
The money I spent on prints over the years the time spent waiting for them to be developed digital is so much easier for our business.
This really makes me nostalgic...there are advantages to digital, of course, but I cannot help but feel we have lost something with the advancing technology. Wouldn't Mathew Brady be astounded?
Richard,
I've been taking pictures for a long time, too. Ever use the 4x5 Graflex? :)
Steve
Richard, I worked part-time for the Dept of Navy's Public Affairs Office in photography. It was amazing to see the photos come alive....I forgot all about this job...it was for only three months, and a lot of fun.
Insome ways Richard, I think we have gone Backwards with our photography.
Photography is a hobby of mine as well - and when I first got started it was on my mom's 1979 Minolta - after some time the cost of flm just got to be too much - I came back from a trip to Maine and nearly went bankrupt getting everything processed. Thus digital...
I won't disagree with William, but digital has allowed almost everyone to experience photography (unlike film) mainly because of the cost. This means those who don't want to understand photography don't have to in order to snap a photo. But those who love photography can still develop their skill as before. I also like the easy access to creative techniques. I had a 35mm Mamiya Sekor many years ago, but I find that my Nikon D5000 gives me much more flexability. The fact that each press of the shutter costs me nothing more gives me the freedom to be creative. Yes I take a lot of really bad photos, but each shot teaches me something which makes me a better photographer. On top of that the feedback is immediate which helps to develop my skills more quickly than film did. I love digital.
Hi Richard, Your old technique sounds magical. I was in charge of photographing documents from the courthouse and developing the film in a dark closet.. We found over the year though, that the "original" film became brittle. I think it wasn't stored properly.
Richard
We still have our 35's from the 70's and 80's and actually used them on a trip not to long ago. they were great fun then and now.
Richard,
Your post is very timely. I think I am waxing nostalgic, too.
I went through 10 boxes (Xerox paper sized boxes) of photos, slides, contact sheets and negatives today. As I flipped through each stack I felt as though I was walking Memory Lane with an old friend.
The process has changed, that's for sure. But the memories that either medium evokes ... they are equal, at least to me.
Well, you ought to be a photographer (on the side) for your local tourism industry. Maybe a calendar company or something like that. You have talent Richard. I enjoy your 'hobby'.
Hi Richard, Good post. Thanks for sharing.
Best - Sash
Richard, you and I seem to share one of the same passions. I do agree that print film did have an expense, but it also made the photographer 'think' about his composition. Take in all the aspects of light, film speed, etc. The advent of cheap digital photography has somewhat prostituted the art because there is not that cost factor...
Helping you help others live their American dream...
Richard - I grew up with a dark room in our basement. I never liked the work involved with color film. However, I loved to take and develop B&W photos. It was fun to crop photos, expose to light, and then dip in three developer baths. The other fun was experimenting with different photo paper and different light exposures.
When we moved my parents into a retirement community, we found an old 1950 something undeveloped roll of Kodachrome film. I sent it to www.filmrescue.com and we are awaiting the results. I can't wait to see that grainy 50's appearance!! (as well as the lost surprise images)
Terry...
No doubt that digital is perfect for the real estate business! And a real money-saver too! Thanks for the comment.
Susan...
Mr. Brady would say that our subject material was much more pleasant! But he would have been astounded at the ease of taking a photo, that's for sure! THX.
Steve...
I have (had) a Rolleiflex around here somewhere, haven't used it since the 70's or seen it for 20 years. I wonder where it is ... I need to try to find it. Thanks for the comment.
Richard - and now they have taken our Kodachrome away. All those nice bright colors.
You know we can't handle the wait these days to see how anything turns out. We have to have pictures we can see immediately.