This project is a tribute to the significant contribution made by local professional photographers in preserving the past. Our focus is on the period from 1900 to 1915. Prior to 1900 most photography was the work of itinerants, perhaps from Brandon, who ventured out into the rural areas for a specific mission. About 1900 we see the beginning of the establishment of locally based photo studios. By the time World War 1 was underway, the availability of reasonably priced, easy to use cameras, saw an explosion of picture-taking by the non-professional.

On the images left from that time, names like Durrant & McArter from Hartney, and the Winnipeg Photo Company from Napinka, are prominent.


Contents:


1: Introduction

The Small Town Photo Studio       
Hind Expedition
The International Boundary Trail Commission
Early European Settlement in the Southwest Corner

2. Photographers who worked in the Southwest Corner

An alphabetical list with brief biographical sketches.

3. A Lasting Impression – Profiles

A closer look at photographers who have left us a significant body of work, and who were well known through the region.

4. Subjects

A look at representative examples of the subject matter.

5. Products & Promotion

Photography as a Business

6. The Postcard Era

A closer look at one aspect of the business.

7. Technology & Training

A brief History of the Camera & Its Operation

8. Collections

 A close look at a few notable collections and their historic value.

9. Resources & Sources
 
Links to Online Collections & Other Sources



For a pdf of the project or best copies of any of the photos used email Ken at: kenstorie3@gmail.com


A word about quality.

Assessing the quality or value of an archival photo involves  more thn a matter of just the technical element. The sharpness, clarity and focus of a print is, of course, vitally important important. High quality prints, quite literally, allow us to see more. With a sharp well-focused print we are more likely to be able to read the sign on a a business building, or even recognize a face in an otherwise unidentified  group photo. A print rich in detail is valuable in and of itself in terms of using a photo to "see"  and appreciate the scene and its elements.

When possible I have used the best prints available - but when no print or scan of a print, is available we have used copies from publications such as local histories or even newspaper. I hope that the original prints are out there somewhere and if I find them I will, of course, replace the present image with the improved copy.