New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-09-05
THE AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER.

A gentleman who has recently been at some
pains to observe returning summer tourists at the
railway stations and ferries finds that three OUT
of five of them carry amateur photograph outfits,
and he shrewdly suspects that at least one of the
others has Hat-cheSted camera secreted under his
waistcoat. whence the nozzle, if that be the
proper term, projects in the guise OF an innocent
button. Amateur photography is rapidly APP
Droaching If il has not already reached, tne
dignity of craze 1t seems that it is not con-
fined to our own country, but has close hold on
Great Britain as well, as we read IN ate as
patcbes that IT, is no uncommon thing for an
amateur photographer TO chase the poet Iennyson
half mile in his efforts to secure his likeness 30
far the poet has rgidly set his face, or rather per-
haps we should say his back, against TINS species
of art but he cannot prevent enthusiastic amateurs
from making the attempt. If there is fallng OIL
in the quality of Lord Tennysons later prouuc-
tons as critics have said it seems prooaDie thaC
il may be in part, at least, traced to the amateur
photogra pliers; no man can write good poetry "ith
a total stranger pointing the muzZle Oh caihet"
in his study window and requesting MN 10 hoiu
his chin little higher and look pleasant
We are bound to admit that the photosraphing
craze is a very good sort of fad-if the amateurs
will pardon us for applying both of these new
Some surprisingly good results are obtaiLed by
amateurs and certainly neatly made collection
Of views is pleasant souvenir of summer
outing though it must be said that to cold
and unsympathetic outsider it frequently seems
that the amateurs album runs rather less to the
scenery which, he could probably have secured IMAM
it should and something too much to the young
lady, in various pleasing poses, In whom ne ls
interested: but this is a matter in which young
man is auswerable to himself alone Not only
may the camera be made very agreeable COM
panon on ones vacation, but good one Is anus
ing and instructive in the household
The baby's picture can be taken as
often as the fondest of mothers can de-
sire often with surprising results, it is true-ll-
deed one of the charms of amateur photography,
we Judge, is the element of surprise which enters
into it, This was never better illustrated than
in the case OF the young man who rose early ana
rointed his camera from his bedroom window with
the intention of securing cat on the back fence
in the act of reaching high c, and upon developing
the plate he was astonshed to find only dumb
bell and hair-brush. presumably hurled by the
hasty and irascible gentleman inhabitng the Hat
above.
4 striking indication Of the extent 70 which
amateur photography has honeycombed society, if
we may so express il, is the fact that many summer
hole Is now set apart room for the amateurs USE
where they may develop their negatives, plan fresh
campaigns and otherwise disport themselves. We
SUPPOSE that the railroads will yet be obliged TO
recognize them and run photography car Even
now they have penetrated the train and the
ominous click Of the camera shutter is heard as
an enthusiast takes" the interior OF the paror-
car or catches the face of some fair traveller who
has attracted his passing fancy. Nothing seems
50 70 bring out the bravery and self-reliance OF
man as the possession Of a camera. 1t Is no I'M
common thing for an amateur TO stop dgnified
and naughty stranger on the beach or piazza and
request him to take certain pose that the artist
NAV properly bring his instrument TO bear on the
victim 1t is related of Mr. Chauncey NJ. Depew
that while making the trip to Europe few weeks
ago he was approached on the fourth day out by a
young amateur photographer, who explained that
he had large collection of pleasant views about
the steamer and now wanted something in the
CHASTITY line, and asked Mr.. Depew If he would
kindly put a black cloth over his face and hang
by a rope around his neck from yardarm mo-
ment, adding, assuringly, that he would use u
plate requiring the shortest possible exposure and
give Mr.. Depew one OF the photographs WHEN
finished II is said though we cannot vouch for
it, that Mr. Depew with his customary amiabiity,
complied
After all, il would seem that amateur pho
Biography must be very pleasant and interesting
pastme, IT, indeed it has not sufficient usefulness
| to place it rather above mere pastimc. That il
cannot always retain its present popularity seems
clear as SO many have taken il up from no other
reason save TO be in the SWIM but that it will
vanish as completely from tle face OF the earth
as for instance, archery roller skating we can
not believe.
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| Attention is again directed TO the number OF