Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 November 1893 — AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY. [ARTICLE]

AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY.

It Is a Most Agreeable and Instructive Pastime. Among the most pleasant occupations of the hour is amateur photography. It not only combines instruction and pleasure, but profit aa well, and its pursuit is being and should be encouraged. One great objection in the past has been that the apparatus was too expensive and the arrangements for developing tba pictures too complicated, but the introduction of the dry plate process and the reduction of the cost of the apparatus have greatly overcome the objection. A camera that will do good work can be purchased for ten dollars; for it is not the cost of the apparatus that secures satisfactory results, but the skill and patience of the photographer. For common service the three and one-fourth by four and one-fourth inch camera is the best. The plates are much cheaper than the larger size, costing forty-

five cents per dozen; then the apparatus is far more portable than the larger cameras. The light out-of-doors being better than in the house, pictures are simpler taken outside than indoors, says Farm and Fireside. Never photograph with tbe camera facing the sun—it fogs the plate. A little experience will show about the amount of exposure necessary in the various lights. In the house quite a little ingenuity in arranging the light is necessary, for a larger exposure is needed. A skylight is the best, but when not obtainable mirrors can be used to reflect the light on to the subject and overcome the shadows. In a fairly lighted room with a quick plate at least four seconds of exposure will undoubtedly be needed. In photographing objects that are stationary, a fine effect is produced by giving a lengthy exposure, forty minutes to a day at times. Plates must be developed in a dark room, but for printing the sun is needed. Tbe best pictures are produced by exposure in the morning and afternoon rather than in the middle of the day. What is very much better than for amateurs to

attempt the making of it, is to buy silvered or sensitized paper from some photographer. “Ferro-prussiate” paper after printing only requires washing. The silver should be left all Dight in water. Procure the aid of a photographer to show these processes if possible. Use very thick paste made from starch in mounting, and while the picture is still wet is the time to mount it. The negatives may be preserved by coating them with good white varnish. Hats cost the American people $300,000,000 annually.