New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-07-27
VOuEY As PHOTOGRAPHERS.

TIE PHOTOGRAPHIC DEPARTMENT OF COOPER INsTI-
TUTE-sUCCEss OF THE CLASSES ~ WHICH wO-
MEN ARE TAUGHT THE DETAILS OF THE ART.
Photography is an art requiring dett skill,
decate manipulation and artistic eye; these quail
fcatiOns render IL profession peculiarly fitted Tor WO-
men 20 follow and accordingly there are found great
numbers throughout the country occupying positions as
po.ers" "retouchers' coorists,' etc.. while In most
photograph galleries ladies employed in tho recep-
tiOn ROOM
I'd TO 1870 however, there existed organized place
where could thoroughly learn tins
art all its branches and those whose attention was
directed 70 the means Of gaining livelihood were
obliged to enter galleries and there be taught posing re-
touching, colorng, aud mounting-the chief branches
for which they are employed In the Fall OF 1871 this
desderatum established by the trustees Of Cooper
Institute who, recognizing the eminent fitness OF Wo-
men for an art closely akin 10 drawing in ITS results
and which requires about the same quaIhcations de-
cded 70 add Photographic Department to their school
This department when organized, was placed under the
charge OF Prof Carl Hecker. who, assisted by lady
teacher still superntends its working. II is divided
into three distinct classes. In the first OF THESE the
chemical operating class are taught the use ana pre-
marathon OF all chemicals employed in photography,
and the branches OF posing printing toning ana mount
ing In the second division the rerouchng OF negatives
and posves taught and in the third the eolorng Of
photographs. PhOtoeraycn may also be learned III the
Institute by any who desire to DO So
Women have not hitherto been engaged 10 MI posi-
mons in galleries as operators printers, photographers
considering the operating room no place FOR woman
one gave his opinion that no woman conld stand us
heat and the fumes of the chemicals she would VIII
In no time" he observed. The women are likely 10 con-
~ tl,s point since few of Them young Old, strong
minded or weak-mnded. willing to have their hands
continually stained with nitrate OF silver STAN Wch
can only be removed by the use OF cyanide OF POTASSIUM
highly poisonous chemical, dangerous TO lie ana ex-
ceedindy injurious 10 the general health OF operators
Indeed Lea and other photographers have earnestly
srrven to effect its removal from the list OF Photographic
chemicals withoutsaccess as no other substance
has beeu discovered that fully supply The important
place 1t occupies, especially IN regard 70 ferfoypes'
Notwithstanding its dangerousprOperles the cy hue -
likely To remain a Photographic fixture owing 10 us
pecuar reaction nitrate of SILVER. operators are
compelled 10 use it cleansing agent, or thelr
hands would soon rival those Of our sable brethren.
Putting aside the health question women would soon
ind the item OF dress expensive Que III the Operating
room as the young ladies' OF Cooper Institute ieafheu
by DIRE experience man will button hlmseH up IN
wrapper and very little about his outward appear
aDce but no lady would like 10 10 round In dresses or
wrappers which If they mad received the con-
,ens Of half dozen bottles Of various eoored INKS.
Hence il seems very unlikely that women VIII every
care 10 compete with men in TINS Dranch OF the JUST
meas As however mistress who thoroughly under
stands kitchen economy is far more hKey 10 De wei
erved by her domescs, than one 10 WHOM the Io"el
region and all pertaining TO IL is an unknown mystery
who is lett in a state OF complete heplessness when
81 inhabitants depart is necessarY-for ladies'
intending TO start galleries OF their own to be wen &C
oualnted with the practical WORKING OF the Operating
room and thus guard against waste DC aoie 10 trace
any nsaps that may arise from careless operating 10
be proper source and in any sudden emergencies take
charge of IL themselves. In the Oranch OF printing anu
toping-for they may be considered rs ohe-lhe Nh
so-an.s in ,be way Of women's employment are much
esseDed though not entirely ooviaed IL Is PHEASANT
lean work but printers obliged 10 be constantly on
their feet andss this alone would heavily TAX woman
strength and endurance, young men generally occupy
This position Ia galleries. -,
Posing presents a inviting aspect requiring as II
Aoas a quick eye, good taste ana sense
~ what Is graceful and becoming. Tor posers
must be able TO place sittefs III A''''"'''
- ,s,icn they will show TO the best advantage,
and see that all accessories TO inc picture are ID per
,ec harmony with the subject Inc abiIity 10 W '
- 4, many instances ntuively possessed oy women anu
che time may possbly when TINS brahch VIII pass
irov into their hands. At present the propfetors Vi
t Galleries Jake charge Of 1t themselves ana n'hS
n.ve achieved en- yiable regulations by peculiar SUCCESS
~ ,his respect The salary OF toersbe poser is ABOUT
a.. nor week frst-ciass receiving AZ hsh q w
The mounting OF prints operation quickly ieA'n'u
and reouripg but little skill, consequently the fenuner
,,op is not large Girls OF IS or 10 are frequently Oh"
Moved in galleries for this purpose
The art of rotouching calls for some
~ light and shade. Any possessing TINS cam VIII
r.c,ce learn II In comparatively short time IL 10
na Of ina best-pald branches IN photography gooo