[Ziegfeld, Florenz. (1869 - 1932)] Cheney Johnston, Alfred. (1885 - 1971)
Autograph Manuscript about Philosophy and Technique of Photography
Important 8 page handwritten manuscript document by Alfred Cheney Johnston, discussing his theories on photography as an artistic art form and including a wealth of information about his techniques, formulas, craft etc. An extraordinary document. Some selected portions:"Def. of Art: The exhibition of the power of perceiving the beautiful, and of expressing it in artistic forms. Def. of Photography: The art of producing images."
"Camera can only take what you put in front of it."
"Use flash for all colour. It eats into shadows. Easy on models or sitters."
"Detail in clothes and hair? A painter works in masses of light and shade."
"Backgrounds - Dark gives better skin values. If using light backgrounds, High Key is best for skin."
From the estate of Alfred Cheney Johnston, the artist and superb photographer who was made famous for his photographs of the Ziegfeld girls. (6365)
Autograph Letter Theater