The word snapshot originated as a hunting term to describe a shot aimed and fired quickly at a target that appears suddenly and for a short period of time. It first acquired a photographic meaning in 1860 when Sir John Herschel used the term to describe the possibility of taking a rapid sequence of instantaneous photographs to analyze motion. However, it is only since the 1880s, with the emergence of popular photography, that the word snapshot assumed it’s more common usage. It is no surprise therefore, to see photos which suggest a photographer/snap shooter is relating to their camera as a gun in order to mimic a duel or confrontation. In early snapshots, a common pose was a man pointing his pistol directly at the photographer’s face/camera. Later, we start to see photos of people who obviously were snapping/shooting each other’s image simultaneously.
Related to these ‘camera face’ images are snapshots which capture the act of someone taking a photograph of someone else. Conversely, and linked to the origins of the word snapshot, are images of a person trying to stop or block the photographer/camera from ‘taking’ their image. For more images
A Photographic Gun Harper's Weekly, May 1882
"In taking instantaneous photographs it is well known that some difficulty is experienced in bringing the object into the field of the camera. The process of taking aim at, for instance, moving objects, such as a ship, has sometimes to be repeated several times, and in the end the result is unsatisfactory. To obviate this serious difficulty, an ingenious Frenchman, M. Marrey, has invented a photographic gun, of which we give illustration (above). This implement is neither more nor less than a very large revolver, with a stock to put to the shoulder." more
BLOGS: Scrapatorium features Angelica Paez' prolific often vintage photograph inspired collages (detail on right, from the collection of Barbara Levine). Her work is in the new book Cutting Edges: Contemporary Collage.
On Ransom Riggs' blog read (and view wonderful trailer) about his upcoming book, Talking Pictures: Found Photographs with Writing.
Boat Lullabies, Nicholas Osborn's perfect compliment to his amazing vernacular photography site, Square America.
Also not to be missed is Yovim Tobis' collection on Flickr.
SITES: Irina Werning’s Back to the Future features snapshots painstakingly re-created.
The Dead Photograph Project is photographer James Dodd's effort to rescue found snapshots from obscurity.
EXHIBITIONS: Take Me to the Water: Photographs of River Baptisms, International Center of Photography, NY, Jan. 21–May 8, 2011
The Three Graces, 500 Snapshots From the Collection of Peter J. Cohen, Art Institute of Chicago, October 29. 2011-Jan. 22 2012
End Note: Searching For Peace of Mind?
For More Fresh Links Questions? blevine@projectb.com
