TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
FORMED 1901
FORMED 1909
Monday 25th February 1901
Page 3 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The initial meeting of the recently formed Toowoomba Photographic Society was held on last Monday evening in the fine large room at the southern end of the School of Arts, which has been placed at the disposal of the society by that institution. The chair was occupied by the president (Rev. Canon Pughe), who delivered the inaugural address. Mr Pughe's address was an exceedingly able effort, being the combined work of an enthusiast and a scholar. The title of the discourse was, "The Aims and Objects of a Photographic Society". Mr Pughe covered a very large field; in fact touched and frequently enlarged upon all possible aspects of the subject, and presented a very lofty ideal for the aspirations of the members, while outlining methods by which success may be achieved through perseverance. The address was listened to with keen appreciation by the twenty-two members present and a few friends, and was enthusiastically applauded at the conclusion A short appreciative discussion followed, and then Mr Jarrott displayed a number of very excellent and interesting lantern slides of his own work; the illuminant being acetylene gas. The next meeting will be at the same place on Wednesday next, when Mr James Bain will give a lecture and demonstration on the interesting subject of development. The subject of competition among members will be "Group Photograph".
Monday 10th July 1905
Page 2 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The newly formed Toowoomba Photographic Society has arranged to give a lantern display in the Alexandra Hall on Wednesday night. Some magnificent pictures have been secured, and the exhibition should prove both interesting and instructive. No charge will be made for admission, but a collection will be taken to defray the cost. The Society's Secretary, Mr. Murdoch M'Leod, will be in attendance at the hall to enroll members, the rates of subscription being: Gents, 10/; ladies and minors, 5/- per annum. All interested in photography should become members at once, as the aims of the Society are to assist amateurs to become more proficient in their art.
Wednesday 12th July 1905
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TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
LANTERN ENTERTAINMENT
We beg to remind our readers of the lantern entertainment in the Alexandra Hall to-night, under the auspices of the Toowoomba Photographic Society. A magnificent collection of pictures will be exhibited, and the public are invited to be present. Rev. J. Bowes has kindly given the use of his splendid lantern, and will superintend the exhibition. No charge will be made for admission, but a collection will be taken up to defray the cost of the entertainment. The Society's Secretary, Mr. Murdoch M'Leod, will attend at the hall from 7.30 till 8 o'clock to enroll members.
Wednesday 27th October 1909
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Thursday 28th October 1909
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TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
A meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society will be held at the Masonic Hall, Neil street, to-morrow evening at 8pm. All members are especially requested to be present to consider the adoption of the rules of the society and to assist in drawing up a syllabus for the ensuing half-year. Great interest is being manifested in this newly formed society and the committee is arranging, for demonstrations, lectures, and outings to assist amateur photographers in every possible way. The society already numbers several ladies among their members and extends a cordial invitation to one and all who are interested in photography to be present at the meeting. The acting secretary, Mr. F.C. Wills will be pleased to give any further information if required.
Wednesday 24th November 1909
Page 1 and 5 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
A meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society will be held to-morrow (Thursday) night in the Masonic Hall at 8pm. The president, Mr F.L. South, will lecture on the "First principles of photography", with the object of helping beginners in their initial difficulties, and failures. Opportunity will also be given to members to ask the lecturer questions, and as the subject will be treated in a practical manner all amateur photographers should be present, whether members or not.
Saturday 27th November 1909
Page 4 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
A meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society was held in the Masonic Hall on Thursday evening, when the President Mr. F.L. South, gave a very instructive address to amateurs on the "Elementary Principles of Photography" demonstrating his remarks by the aid of several cameras. It was decided to hold the first outing of the society on Saturday (to-day), in the Botanic Gardens; members to meet at the Fountain at 3pm. A good feature for these outings is the proposal for a competent member of the committee to be in charge so that amateurs may have the benefit of his practical experience. Today's outing will be in charge of the Secretary. We have been requested by the secretary to remind members who have not paid their half-yearly subscription, that the payments were due on November 1st, and he will be obliged if members will forward them to him at once.
Thursday 9th December 1909
Page 4 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The usual fortnightly meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society will be held in the Masonic Hall, Neil-street, to-night, at 8pm, when Mr. J.S. Hay, will give an address on "Composition as applied to Photography". The subject is of vital importance in all landscape photography and the fact of its being handled by such a well-known exponent of Art as Mr. Hay, should assure a good attendance of members and their friends.
Tuesday 14th December 1909
Page 5 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The usual fortnightly meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society was held at the Masonic Hall on last Thursday evening, when Mr. J.S. Hay delivered his lecture on "Composition as applied to Photography". Mr. Hay argued that as anyone could learn to read and write so anyone could learn to take photographs, and anyone who could learn to take photographs should also learn to make pictures of them, in other words he should learn to compose. That all do not, was in evidence in the work of otherwise good photographers. Composition meant a number of things. It meant sacrifice, gradation, concentration, obliteration, replacement, etc., etc. Simply sit down squarely before a thing and reproduce it as an ox would, if an ox could draw, with no thought or intention save imitation, and the result would confirm every line. "I am not art, but machine work", though its technique be perfection. Toil over arrangement and meditate over viewpoint and light, and though the result be the rudest, it will bear the impress of thought and of art. Art begins when man with thought, forming a standard in his mind of beauty commences to shape the raw material towards it. In pure landscape work, where modification is limited, it begins where the artist takes one stand point in preference to another. Mr. Hay then by means of a number of diagrams and sketches illustrated the law of balance in composition. There was first of all the classic or formal balance, illustrated by the common scales, then came that of the steelyard, capable of infinite adaptation and variety in landscape work and which was the simplest, and gave the most interesting and pleasing results and was therefore specially recommended to amateurs; the steelyard, or scales in perspective over a fulcrum or middle space was also touched upon, as well as composition by means of diverging and converging lines known as triangular competitions. Mr. Hay concluded his remarks by stating that if you take from nature the principals of balance you deprive it of harmony; take from it harmony and you have chaos or anarchy. The lecture was listened to with much interest and was much appreciated. It is probable that owing to the number of requests the lecture will be repeated.
Monday 31st January 1910
Page 5 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The next meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society will be held on Thursday week when Mr. T.G. Robinson, the well known electrician will deliver a lecture on "Radiography". Mr. Robinson has promised to bring all the necessary apparatus to take radiographs and develop them during the course of his address, in this way practically demonstrating his remarks. The secretary (M.F.C. Wills), is anxious that every member, and all strangers who are interested, should, be in attendance as the evening promises to be both entertaining and of instructional value. Further notice will appear in these columns as to time and place of meeting.
Tuesday 8th February 1910
Page 5 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
A meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society will be held on next Thursday night at 8pm in the Masonic Hall, when T.G. Robinson will lecture on ''Radiography". Members all requested to bring their friends as the subject is of general interest. A short time will also be taken up at the commencement of the meeting in discussing photographic work of members during the recent recess.
Saturday 12th February 1910
Page 5 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
A meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society was held in the Masonic Hall on Thursday night when a fair number of members attended to hear Mr. T.G. Robinson lecture on Radiography. The lecturer had spared no trouble in preparing for the evening and illustrated his remarks with practical demonstrations of the wonderful power of X-rays. Mr. Robinson said during his address, that Rontgen, who discovered the rays, could not account for them and so designated them "X", signifying "an unknown quantity". He also explained the marvelous penetration of the rays saying that the light was of such power that if a member present had an unopened box of photographic plates in his pocket the rays would defy all covering and spoil them. He had known them to go through a hundred sheets of paper. Mr. Robinson went on to say that glass, which was so transparent to sun rays, was to a great extent, opaque to X-rays which was accounted for by the presence of mineral matter. A radiograph of a lady member's hand was taken and developed and the limbs of several inquisitive members were examined, which added to the interest of the meeting. In response to a vote of thanks Mr. Robinson promised to give further demonstrations when the science was more advanced. It was unanimously resolved to alter the night of meeting to Monday, the next meeting being fixed for February 21st, when Mr. F.L. South will lecture on "Up-to-date Development". An outing to the Range was arranged for Saturday, February 19th., particulars of which will be announced in these columns at a later date.
Saturday 19th February 1910
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TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The outing of the Toowoomba Photographic Society which was arranged for to-day has been postponed until next Saturday to suit the convenience of several members who wish to be present. The next meeting of the Society will take place on Monday, February 28th.
Thursday 24th February 1910
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Friday 25th February 1910
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TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
Members of the Toowoomba Photographic Society are reminded of the outing to the quarries, on Sunday afternoon and are requested to bring their friends to meet at the top of Bridge-street at 3.30pm. A bus leaves the Club corner at 3pm. On Monday night at the Masonic Hall, Mr. South will give a demonstration on "Tank Development" when a full attendance of members is requested.
Monday 28th February 1910
Page 5 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
An outing of the Toowoomba Photographic Society was held on Saturday when a large number of members and their friends met at the quarries where an interesting afternoon was spent in taking photographs of the geological formations and other subjects. To-night, at the Masonic Hall Mr. F.L. South will lecture on "Tank Development", demonstrating his remarks by developing before the audience some films taken on Saturday afternoon's outing. Members are requested to bring prints or negatives of pictures taken on Saturday.
Wednesday 2nd March 1910
Page 5 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
A very successful meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society was held in the Masonic Hall on Monday night, when the president, Mr. F.L. South gave a demonstration on Tank Development. During the course of his remarks, Mr. South explained that the tank system of development both for plates and films is becoming very popular with professionals and amateurs. No darkroom is required for this process only in the development of plates, a changing bag is needed in order to transfer the plates from the slides, or holders, to the developing tank; when this is accomplished the tank is closed and rendered light tight. The developer used is of special formula and takes about twenty minutes to complete its work. Considerable discussion was aroused by the statement that expert chemists in America, Germany, and England agree that no matter what the exposure of the negative, the tank system of development will produce the best possible results in every case even if in developing six plates there have been six different exposures. Mr. South showed three negatives and prints from each taken in Mr. Watts studio with widely varying exposures. These were developed together and the results certainly supported Mr. South's contention on behalf of the tank system. Results of the last outing's work were shown and a very instructive discussion took place. It was decided to hold an outing to Hell Hole on St. Patrick's Day, and those intending to go will kindly let the secretary know as soon as possible. The cost of the drag will be about two shillings each. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 16th, and is to be of special interest; when Dr. Hamlyn Harris will lecture and demonstrate on "The Chemistry of Photography".
Monday 14th March 1910
Page 5 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
A lecture on the "The Chemistry of Photography" will be delivered by Dr. Hamlyn-Harris before the Toowoomba Photographic Society on Wednesday next at 8pm at the Masonic Hall. All members are requested to attend, and a cordial invitation is extended to those who are interested. A very instructive evening is anticipated.
OUTING OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The outing of the Toowoomba Photographic Society to Hell Hole, arranged for next Thursday, St. Patrick's Day, will take the form of a basket picnic, the society providing the tea, milk, and sugar, and all the necessary crockery. Lock's drag will leave Mr. Wills' shop at 10am sharp, returning from Hell Hole at 5pm, Fare 2/. Those members or friends who intend going will kindly notify Mr. Wills as soon as possible.
Tuesday 22nd March 1910
Page 5 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
A meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society was held on Thursday at the Masonic Hall when several new members were proposed.
Dr. Hamlyn Harris delivered a lecture on "The Chemistry of Photography", demonstrating his remarks by frequent experiments with the various chemicals used in photography, and which were much appreciated by members adding greatly to the usefulness of the lecture. The progress of the art was traced from its infancy up to its present position, the lecturer explaining the action of light on the sensitive film and the developing, fixing, and printing process from the chemists standpoint. Much scientific and useful knowledge was placed at the disposal of those present and many questions were asked. The Dr. was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for the trouble he had gone to and for his extremely instructive lecture.
On St. Patrick's Day, twenty-five members and friends drove out to Hades Hollow, when a most enjoyable day was spent in photographing everything within range. The proverbial 'bull' that is always supposed to chase the man with a red cloth over his head, turned up in style, causing great consternation. After a few well deserved blows with a stick the unwelcome, visitor proved to be more docile than his appearances warranted and made off bellowing his discontent.
The next meeting of the society will be held on Tuesday night, April 4th, in Miss Cargeeg's schoolroom, "Ivanhoe", Arthur-street, when the subject will be "Bromide Printing" by Mr. F.C. Wills.
22nd March 1910
Page 149 - Vol. 17 No. 3 The Australasian Photographic Review
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
At the February meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society the President, Mr. F.L. South, gave a demonstration on Tank Development. During the course of his remarks, Mr. South explained that the tank system of development both for plates and films is becoming very popular with professionals and amateurs. No dark room is required for this process, only in the development of plates, a changing bag is needed in order to transfer the plates from the slides or holders, to the developing tank; when this is accomplished the tank is closed and rendered light tight. The developer used is of special formula and takes about twenty minutes to complete its work. Considerable discussion was aroused by the statement that expert chemists in America, Germany, and England agree that no matter what the exposure of the negative, the tank system of development will produce the best possible results in every case, even if in six different exposures. Mr. South showed three negatives and prints from each taken in Mr. Watt’s studio with widely varying exposures. These were developed together, and the results certainly supported Mr. South’s contention on behalf of the tank system. Results of the last outing’s work were shown and a very instructive discussion took place.
Saturday 16th April 1910
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Saturday 23rd April 1910
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TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
A meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society will be held on Tuesday night at 8pm in the Masonic Hall, when Mr. Watts will give a demonstration on "Toning".
Friday 13th May 1910
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Monday 16th May 1910
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Tuesday 17th May 1910
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TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
LANTERN EVENING
The Toowoomba Photographic Society will hold a public lantern entertainment on next Tuesday, May 17th, at 8pm in the Masonic Hall when all members are requested to be present. The lantern will be in charge of Mr. W. Jarrott, well known as an amateur photographer and who has an unique collection of lantern slides. Mr. Jarrott will also give a short lecture on "How to make lantern slides", and as it will be illustrated with his own work, his remarks should be of interest not only to photographers but to the general public, to whom a hearty invitation is extended.
Thursday 19th May 1910
Page 5 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
At a meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society held on Tuesday night in the Masonic Hall, Mr. Jarrott lectured to an appreciative audience on "Lantern Slide Making". The lecturer gave a most instructive address, explaining the various points in the process with such simplicity that the youngest amateur might understand. Mr. Jarrott then put about 150 slides through his lantern, the quality of the pictures producing frequent applause, more especially those of Birds and their Nests, Britain's Castles, and the floral series. Mr. J.S. Hay showed some local views, one of the Town Hall at night being especially good. Mr. F.C. Wills also exhibited a few of his cloud studies. Four new members were elected. It was also decided to hold an outing in conjunction with the Field Naturalists' Club, to Monkey Water Holes on June 6th. Those intending to go will please notify Mr. Wills as soon as possible, the drag will be about 2/6.
Tuesday 24th May 1910
Page 5 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
It is the intention of the Toowoomba Photographic Society and the Field Naturalists Club to hold an outing to Forest Vale on June 6th. The outing will take the form of a basket picnic and tea and milk will be provided by the clubs. Members wishing to take part are requested to inform their respective secretaries in order to secure accommodation. The fares are fixed at two shillings and sixpence.
Monday 30th May 1910
Page 5 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
Members and friends of the Toowoomba Photographic Society are requested to attend the usual fortnightly meeting to-morrow (Tuesday) night at the Masonic Hall, at 8pm, which is to take the form of an open meeting for questions and general discussion. If all members will bring some of their work it will add greatly to the interest of the meeting.
Monday 30th May 1910
Page 1 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
MEMBERS and friends of the the Toowoomba Photographic Society are requested to attend the usual fortnightly meeting to-morrow (Tuesday) night at 8pm, in the Masonic Hall. Important business in connection with alteration of rules.
FRED C. WILLS
HON. SECRETARY.
Thursday 2nd June 1910
Page 5 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
At a well attended meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society, held in the Masonic Hall on Tuesday night last, a most enjoyable evening was spent in examining and criticizing members work. The work of Mr C.E. Stead, a new member, and a recent arrival from the Old Country, was of exceptional merit and elicited well deserved praise from all present. Four new members were elected, one of which was Mr W.C. Patrick, of Killarney, as a corresponding member, which illustrates the wide spread interest that is being taken in the society. Twelve members took part in three-minute extempore speeches on photographic subjects, demonstrating how much useful information can be imparted in a few words. It was also resolved to open a special fund for the purchase of a lantern outfit, and that nothing be obtained until the money was in hand. A considerable sum was collected in the room, Mr J. Watts generously donating £1. Members are reminded that the half-yearly subcriptions are now overdue; also that in connection with the outing arranged for next Monday, June 6th to Forest Gate, the residence of Mr. W. Harris, Loch's drag will leave Mr F.C. Wills' shop at 9.30am. Those members or friends who intend going will kindly inform Mr Wills at once.
Wednesday 8th June 1910
Page 5 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY and FIELD NATURALISTS CLUB
A most enjoyable outing of members of the Field Naturalists Club and the Toowoomba Photographic Society was held on Monday. The rendezvous, being at Mr. Harris's farm, Forest Gate, just below Sugarloaf mountain, was reached about lunch time. Mr. and Mrs. Harris opened their house to the visitors in a most hospitable manner, which materially assisted towards the success of the picnic. The majority of those present climbed to the summit of Sugarloaf, some looking for specimens so dear to the heart of the naturalist; some for a suitable spot to expose photographic plates (we won't say make pictures until we see the results). Mr. Harris acted as guide to the excursionists, and as he takes a lively interest in natural history, his presence was much appreciated. He also distributed geological specimens to those present. Mr. Dan Loch contributed to the success of the outing by the skillful manner in which he managed his team of five horses and drag, the road being in a very bad state.
Saturday 11th June 1910
Page 1 and 4 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
Members and friends of the Toowoomba Photographic Society are reminded of the meeting to be held on Tuesday next June 14th at 8pm in the Masonic Hall, when members work at the recent outing will be exhibited and criticized. The subject for the evening is "Exposure and Development", which will be spoken on by four or five of the most prominent members.
22nd June 1910
Page 322 - Vol. 17 No. 6 The Australasian Photographic Review
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The Toowoomba Photographic Society, though less than a year old, is in a very flourishing condition, and the members total no less than 35. At the last meeting the Question Box was quite a prominent feature, each member speaking for a few minutes on a subject chosen from the box, and it was surprising how much information could be imparted in a very little while.
Group of some members of the Toowoomba Photographic Society and friends taken at the outing to Sugarloaf Mountain. Photo by F.C. Wills
Saturday 25th June 1910
Page 1 and 4 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
A meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society will be held on Tuesday night at 8pm at the residence of Miss Cargeeg, "Ivanhoe", Arthur street. Range, when members are requested to attend and bring their friends. The subject for the evening will be "Exposure and Development".
Thursday 30th June 1910
Page 5 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The usual fortnightly meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society was held on Tuesday night at 'Ivanhoe', the residence of Miss Cargeeg.
Mr. F.L. South, who has been president of the Society since its inception sent in his resignation of that office owing to pressure of business elsewhere, and Mr. J. Watts was unanimously elected to fill the position. Mr. W. Jarrott, was elected to fill the position of vice-president, vacated by Mr. Watts.
A most enthusiastic and entertaining discussion took place on 'Exposure and Development', the President giving much valuable instruction and advice during the course of his remarks. Messrs. Jarrott, Wills, and others followed with their individual opinions and experiences.
Considerable discussion took place on the value of exposure meters, and while Mr. Wills contended that experience rendered a photographer his own meter, Mr. Jarrott pointed out that to the amateur, who only works spasmodically a meter is invaluable. It was generally admitted that the meeting was one of the most interesting yet held. The next meeting will be held on 26th July, when Mr. J.S. Hay will lecture on 'Composition as applied to Photography'.
Thursday 4th August 1910
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22nd August 1910
Page 448 - Vol. 17 No. 8 The Australasian Photographic Review
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
At the August meeting, of the Toowoomba Photographic Society, held at “Ivanhoe”, the residence of Miss Cargeeg, a fair number of members and visitors were present. Mr. J.S. Hay read a paper on “Composition as applied to Photography". The paper was illustrated by several excellent diagrams and drawings which helped the audience to understand the remarks without difficulty.
Commenting on the fact that a photograph may have as its component parts a man, a horse, a tree, a fence, a road, and a mountain; but that focused together on a plate do not make st picture until they have been arranged or composed, and that the deadly sharp all-over photograph is frequently about as poetic or artistic as a railway time table or an architect’s working plan, and also that so many such photographs fail as pictures in the important exhibitions and are passed over with the remark, “Oh. it is the usual thing!” Mr. Hay endeavored to set forth, by means also of various diagrams, the importance of composition, and .argued that composition to a photograph for pictorial purposes is as necessary as mortar to a wall. A proper comprehension of composition was found to demand knowledge of a score of such as sacrifice, gradation, concentration, accent, obliteration, replacement etc.
Without laying down any hard and fast rules, his effort was to set before those present certain leading principles, for half a dozen principles clearly understood were infinitely better than a hundred rules. Rules without knowledge of underlying principles were of little use, but a knowledge of principles enabled us to infer rules for ourselves. Of all pictorial principles none compared in importance with unity or balance. This principle was illustrated by means of a number of diagrams embodying the ideas of classic or formal balance (chiefly apparent in decorative work), and that form of balance effect was forced or theatrical, though in nature occasionally as in views on the range here, we may have a fine land which gave the most varied and pleasing results exemplified by the steelyard scales, which could also be arranged in perspective. The greater number of landscape compositions showed this form of balance. It was not necessary to maintain any distinct form of composition as that could be circular, curvilinear, elliptical, horizontal, diagonal or triangular. French artists held that a landscape was not a picture unless there were three planes or parts. An endless variety could be given to the composition by varying the form, size, and importance of the three planes, but they should always be there.
If the third plane (or extreme distance) were missing, a close and shut-in feeling was produced. If the second plane (or middle distance) were not seen the effect was forced or theatrical, though in nature occasionally as in views on the Range here, we may have a landscape without a visible second plane, yet we know and feel it must be there. Again, if the first plane (or foreground) were omitted all strength went out of the picture. Lastly, if both the second and the third planes are wanting, the photograph is neither landscape nor picture, it is only a study.
The advice of all picture dealers of any standing to anyone desirous of selling his artistic wares was “never bring to an exhibition a picture with a shut-in composition. People inside rooms like to have pictures which, when they look at, they can imagine themselves seeing out of to something bright and fresh beyond”.
He also illustrated the best method of leading the eye into a picture and also of leading the eye out. This was made easy to the habit of the eye to follow lines. To place heavy obstacles in the fore plane over which the eye did not easily rise was a mistake, and instances were given.
He concluded by hoping that he had made it clear to those present that a knowledge of the principles of composition and their application was a distinct aid to the uplifting of photography from a mere detail, or record of “natural fact” to a higher plane, and that was to one of presentment of “natural aspect” or “feeling” of landscape, and that, too, in a manner more advantageous to the photographer and satisfaction to the critically aesthetic observer.
Tuesday 30th August 1910
Page 4 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
A meeting, of the Toowoomba Photographic Society was held on Saturday night at the secretary's residence "Lindfield", when about twenty members and friends attended. One new member was elected, and the quarterly accounts passed for payment. Miss Cargeeg, Miss Stuke, and Mr Porter showed some excellent work. After the business had been dispensed with Mr and Mrs Wills entertained their fellow members at com petitions, etc., bearing on photography the most novel being "Statue Photography", by Mr Wills. The person to be photographed being seated before a white sheet magnesian ribbon was burned behind the sheet, while the exposure was made on bromide paper placed in the camera slides. The result was of course a negative on paper and when fixed, slightly washed and mounted on pretty mounts presented the appearance of marble busts in profile. Each guest took away one of these novel pictures of him or herself as a memento of a pleasant evening.
22nd September 1910
Page 513 - Vol. 17 No. 9 The Australasian Photographic Review
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
At the August meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society, about twenty members and friends attended, and one new member was elected.
Miss Cargeeg, Miss Stuke, and Mr. Porter showed some excellent work.
After the business had been dispensed with, Mr. and Mrs. Wills entertained their fellow-members at competitions, etc., bearing on photography, the most novel being “Statue Photography”, by Mr. Wills; the person to be photographed being seated before a white sheet; magnesium ribbon was burned behind the sheet, while the exposure was made on bromide paper placed in the camera slides. The result was, of course, a negative on paper, and, when fixed, slightly washed and mounted on pretty mounts, presented the appearance of marble busts in profile. Each guest took away one of the novel pictures of himself or herself as a memento of a pleasant evening.
Thursday 29th September 1910
Page 4 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The usual monthly meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society was held at 'Brucedale' (the President's residence) on Monday last when two new members were elected. Some excellent work by Messrs. Porter and Heuer were shown. An invitation was received from the Field Naturalist's Club for members to attend Mr. Wills' lecture on "The Microscope" on October 15th, when he intended to include some remarks on photographing microscopic objects. The next meeting of the Society will be the annual meeting, when the report and balance sheet will be presented and officers elected for the ensuing year.
Wednesday 2nd November 1910
Page 4 - Darling Downs Gazette (Queensland)
TOOWOOMBA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The first annual meeting of the Toowoomba Photographic Society was held on Monday night in the Masonic Hall, when the Treasurer submitted the balance sheet duly audited and attested, and showing a credit balance which, although not large, was considered satisfactory. The balance sheet was adopted unanimously, it was decided to hold a picnic to Cabarlah in conjunction with the Field Naturalist Club at a date to be arranged by Mr. Hay and Mr. Wills. Further particulars of this outing will be announced in these columns when the date is fixed.