International photographer (Jan-Dec 1935)

Eight The INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER June, 1935 Candid Photography Means The Low-Down on Press Photography Minature Camera Photography By Karl A. Barleben, Jr., F.R.P.S. fOLUMES have been written, from time to time, on the subject of free-lance press photography, and indeed, even staff press photography, although the latter presents certain barriers which prevent most aspirants from crashing its gates, as it were. There is a certain glamour about press photography which inspires the amateur photographer to try his hand at it, and lately various books have appeared on the market which tend to even further this. One of the forerunners of books devoted to free-lance journalistic photography was undoubtedly "Cash From Your Camera," by Rossiter Snyder and this writer. "The Complete Press Photographer," by Bell, an English publication, was another of the original works which enjoyed great popularity. H. Rossiter Snyder has, during the past few years, written a number of interesting books on the subject. Jack Price, well-known newspaper photographer, wrote his "News Photography" a few years ago, and this book, while instructive, contained more true experiences of the author than other works of a similar nature. One of the most recent books on the subject is, "Candid Photography," by Kip Ross. For reasons outlined a little further along, this book will be of more practical value than the others in these modern times. Of the thousands of youngsters with newspaper work as an ambition, very few ever come to realize their dream. However, Stanley Walker, former city editor of the New York HeraldTribune, says in his book, "City Editor," that newspaper photography is becoming a more important factor in present-day newspaper practice as time goes on, and that those who diligently apply themselves to it can find fame as well as fortune in this field. The new deal in press photography, to which Stanley Walker alludes in his book, is candid photography. Candid photography means miniature camera photography. Miniature camera photography means a certain definite technique which is practically unknown to the old-time press photographer. Today, newspaper work demands fresh, animated pictures. The papers are no longer content to print just pictures — they must be pictures-plus! The miniature camera, then, is the camera for newspaper photography of the future, and this is why it was previously stated that the book "Candid Photography" will be of such great interest to all those interested in this work. There is a certain number of newspapers and news syndicates which even now use the miniature camera, but the fever has not spread to any great extent as yet — like all other things of revolutionary character, time is required before the majority see the true value. It is certain, however, that newspapers will, in the future, swing over to smaller cameras; in most cases, entirely. American press photographers have always considered the 4x5 inch camera as standard. In Europe, it is interesting to note, negative sizes are considerably smaller, special favor seeming to be given to the 2lAx3lA size. Victor Console, possibly one of the most famous press photographers in the world, predicts that the newspaper camera of the future will be no larger than a pack of cigarettes! Console, incidentally, is connected with one of the largest British newspapers, and in his time has photographed practically every crowned head and famous personage in Europe. But enough of newspaper photography. It is lamentable but true, that the vast majority of amateur photographers haven't much of a chance to become definitely identified -with newspaper work, at least as far as a staff position is concerned. This should be no discouragement, for the next best thing — freelance photography — holds interesting possibilities for those who are willing to go into it with the proper equipment, including the mental temperament suited to it. While free-lance work may not hold the same glamour as newspaper photography, it still has enough snap in it to make things interesting. Free-lance journalistic photography, as it is sometimes called, may be described as making photographs for publication purposes in either newspapers, magazines, or both. The subjectmaterial may be of "hot" news value or of "feature" value. Hot news is best left to the staff cameraman except in rare cases where the free-lance accidentally runs smack into it purely by accident. The free-lance finds his best field in feature pictures, for either newspapers or magazines. This work eliminates the time element, and may be used today or a week from today — and still be fresh and interesting. Hot news, on the other hand, must be used today or not at all. By tomorrow, it will have lost all of its value. The vast majority of amateur photographers interested in free-lance work fail to consider that certain defnite requirements are needed. To begin with, one must have a certain temperament, forcefulness, artistic sense, and more than average photographic technical ability. Next, one must have the proper equipment in order to be prepared for any and every requirement which may be made. Of the personal elements, little can be said, because each individual must analyze himself ruthlessly in order to determine his qualifcations. As to the equipment, a few words may not be amiss. As I have pointed out in various articles in the past, it is not so much the equipment; it's how the equipment is used that counts. In other words, masterly handling of a camera is of greater importance than just owning fine equipment. The expert photographer is he who manipulates his camera -with utter lack of concern or effort. He subconsciously operates it, years of training and practice having taught his hands and fingers just where each adjustment is located by the sense of touch only. This is more important than it may seem, for only when the camera can be operated quickly and confidently can the photographer devote his entire attention to the subject being photographed. News photography does not permit time for calculations and adjustments -which demand attention. Seconds count very often, and he who loses such precious seconds often fails to secure a picture at the critical moment. It has been indicated that small cameras are the modern trend. This is something for the aspiring free-lance to keep in mind. A small negative size is ample, for pictures are almost always enlarged anyway, 8x10 prints being the usual thing. A fast lens is not necessary, although highly desirable, for today it is the unusual or difficult-to-obtain picture that earns the pay check, and fast lenses make it possible to secure exposures under extremely adverse lighting conditions. It is desirable to have the camera equipped with several different lenses which can be interchanged at all. Times will come when a wide-angle lens is necessary in order to get just what is wanted. On other occasions, a telephoto or long focus lens will be found indispensible. Additional lenses, though, are only desirable, and not absolutely necessary. The so-called standard or everyday lens should have a speed of at least f:4.5. Lens working at speeds of f:3.5, f:2.9, f:2, and even faster, are quite common in these times. A miniature camera makes an ideal free-lance outfit, particularly if it is of the Leica type which permits the interchange of lenses, close-range, copy, and similar photographic activities. The compactness of such a camera can be best appreciated by those -who have in the past carried about heavy cumbersome cameras. The miniature camera has made all of us range finder conscious. A good range finder is of decided value to the freelance worker, hence, such cameras make a strong impression upon the prospective purchaser. These cameras have special range finders built into them which couple with all lenses. A reasonably appointed darkroom, equipped with a good Phone CLadstone 4151 HOLLYWOOD STATE BANK The only Bank in the Industrial District of Hollywood under State Supervision Santa Monica Boulevard at Highland Avenue Please mention The International Photographer when corresponding with advertisers.