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A binder of my B&W negs, of course. The work of a total duffer like me of a 100 years ago could well merit their own show or a nice photo spread in National Geo and there's a reason why.
100 years ago, photographers made people put their hats to the back of their heads so people could see their faces. Nowadays, there's debates about what those hats actually looked like. Pros making the sale interfered with the history.
Same deal with nature photos. The image of a canyon from 100+ years ago isn't as interesting as the material the image rests on, the camera, or the fully laden pack mule that got it there. We still have canyons, trees, birds, and waterfalls but few of us use glass plates or travel by mule.
People in their ordinary clothes doing ordinary things are what is fascinating about old photographs. The mundane is what disappears almost completely over time because no one values it, nor seeks to perserve it.
Let's see, what lens do I need to record an open refrigerator? Maybe the Elmar, it has a nice flat field. But wait! This is for history! I better break out the Speed Graphic, the Schneider glass, and the tripod. Future generations are counting on me.
Last edited by Jason Sprenger : 04-09-2006 at 21:20.
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