New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-01
A DIFFICULT MOVING.
Photographers Negatives 1re Tick
ESh Things to Handle.

Spring moving IS at best nerve trying expert
ence. but when 81 cores 70 moving a big photo
graphic studio tho troubles multiply tenfold. Tho
artist stands about and trembles for his her
precious negative plates OF frail glass; the foun-
dalton OF the business the stock IN trade that
cannot be replaced II injured in any way. Even
the hardened moving man feels the seriousness Of
his task. and brings out his nghtest touch his
most sure grip. He would rather move hardware
store any day.
The professional mover can be trusted within
certain limits 10 move the framed pictures and
cases Of the studio reception rooms. He knows
all about handling such things and accident
is not beyond repair The photographer trans
fer the most valuable apparatus-the costly lenses
OF the studio cameras-with his own hands
they are not OF great weight. The surplus stock
Of professional photographs is kept in cloth
board boxes. and does not present unusual moving
difficulties II is the Of the negative room
that cause the worry and trouble.
There thousands OF negatives Of various
sizes. some large 18 by y inches. and few
even larger in the negative rooms Of we'll known
photographers in this city. Some Of them were
taken fifteen. even twenty. years ago. Many OF
the negatives are Of persons who have died.
There are plates OF women Of society. OF especial
value because Of some desirable expression or
pose caught by the camera. If one OF these mega
tlves is broken scratched II Is absolutely i'm
possible TO replace II. Even the plate which holds
the favorite pose Of the youngest debutante can
not be replaced II she should sit hundred times
over for exact expression cannot be duplicated.
II one wants TO learn how highly photographer
who believes in mis- art prizes his negatives. let
him try TO purchase the plate from which the
artist has made photographs that pleasing.
Except in rare instances 1t is all but impossible,
and then the sale is only made with regret and as
a great favor.
IA good studio should be able run a couple Of
years without slttings depending entirely dupli-
cate orders" said photographer OF note 10
Tribune reporter the other day.
Il could not pay expenses on first ORDERS" con-
fessed another. 1.-THE duplicate orders stand for
profit and that is why I prize my collection OF
negatives highly"
It is almost impossible for a photographer to
say when negative has outlived its usefulness.
A duplicate order may straggle in ten fifteen
wears after the photograph has been made. There
are a lumber Of prominent men. hard to please in
the matter Of photographs. who have particular
negatives to which they hold. They are not grow
ing any younger as the years pass and when
new supply Of photographs IS necessary they fall
back on the negative that shows them they
want to look. When prominent man dies there
IS a great demand not only for his most recent
photograph but for older ones which he liked.
The duplicate orders are usually heavy and often
include expensive engagements.
Sometimes the photographer is persuaded TO turn
over the negative after making a single finished
print few days ago a couple who were about
10 be married visited a famous studio on Fifth
ave The bride-to-be did the talking.
u want you to take his picture" she said. but
you must promise that you will finish up but
one print and let me have the plate"
The photographer was curious to learn her
reason.
Il don't want any other living soul to have his
photograph but myself" she said. I will pay
you anything you ike for the negative and destroy
It IN your presence.
Would It not be better to let me preserve the
negative% suggested the photographer Your
single copy might be destroyed, and I viii give
YOU my word Of honor that but one print will be
made"
..No. no. she cried. Il could never be certain
that my picture was the only one. I'll take good
care that my copy is not DESTROYED"
There was sitting Immediately and the result
was more than satisfactory TO the young woman
A single print was taken ard then the plate was
destroyed.
Photographers consider If point Of honor to