Two Women and the Shadow Stalker

  

My guess is from the 1920s to the early 30s.  The photographer's shadow intrudes. 

Cowboy Burt

  

This is a make-good for my last post.  That one was probably shot in 2024, written on the back of this one, "Burt about 1913."  Before I became fascinated by photos from all eras, my collecting was mostly images that were at least 100 years old.  This photo started as a real photo postcard that was cut down to a smaller size. 

The Shadow Soldier

  

This is another of those throw-in photos that I end up with when I buy an envelope of photos and get a few that I'd never buy individually.  Anyway, as a former professional black & white printer it interests me a bit.  There's clearly detail in the subject's uniform and face, but whoever printed this didn't expose for what's really important.  

Shadow Stalker

 

There are a lot of photos out there where the photographer's shadow is a part of the picture.  There's a stamp on the back, "ASK FOR (VELVET SHEEN FINISH)" 

A Face in the Shadows

Jack and Bob are identified, while the woman, her face darkened by a shadow, is left anonymous.  Take a close look at the car window.  There is another face that can be barely seen.  Is it a reflection of  the photographer's face, or someone hiding in the backseat?

Shadows and Light

Flee, flee for your life.  They are coming to get you.

Gal Pals Standing in Sun and Shadow

I like the western outfit of the woman on the right.  It looks like the woman on the left is holding a camera of her own.

Out of the Shadows

Really liked this photo so I bought it.

Shadows and Light

This one fascinates me as a printer.  Those areas on the right that are pretty much black...was the paper fogged, is the negative plugged up, printed too hot?  Am I making things too complicated.  It could just be a plain, end of the day, shadow.  And she looks very mysterious, too.

Shadow Photographer

If a professional photographer had taken this picture, it would have been considered a mistake.  A pro would have put the sun behind his subjects.  No shadow, and no squinting.  Collectors of old snapshots, however, don't see a picture like this as a mistake but as a great find.  That shadow, cutting into the image, is a mystery that draws the eye.  Perhaps professional photographers could learn something from all the amateurs out there who don't worry about the position of the sun.

Shadows and Suits

When I was in college, I wanted access to the university darkrooms. To get that access, I was required to take an introduction to photography course. My teacher stressed that anyone who took a picture with the sun behind them, flunked. I rather like it when the photographer's shadow stretches into the frame.