b. 1838; d. 1903
Edward Wilson was an American professional photographer, who is of interest inasmuch as he prepared a lengthy pamphlet entitled "To my Patrons," giving advice to those who were to come to him to have a portrait taken. Though well-meaning, it comes over as a bit of a sermon, but it does show reveal some of the limitations which made portraiture in the 1870s quite a difficult task. The following is a short portion of the pamphlet:
"The intention of this little book is to say a few words in a kindly way to those who have photographs taken, in order that the intercourse between them and their photographer may be pleasant, and result in the most successful pictures.
People who desire pictures, generally seem unwilling to give the necessary time to secure good ones. As time is precious, therefore, we publish this that you may be informed beforehand on certain points, a knowledge of which will save time.....
To produce pictures.... requires skill, good taste, culture, much study and practice, to say nothing of an expensive outfit and a properly arranged studio. With all these the photographer must know how to manage a most obstreperous class of chemicals, fickle as the wind, and, therefore, he needs all the assistance from you that you are able to give him. He is entitled to the same respect and consideration from you as your minister, your physician, or your lawyer.... Remember...that it is he who takes the pictures, not you; that it is he whom you hold responsible for the result and not yourself; that it is he who knows best (or ought to) how to take it, and not you, and that his reputation suffers if he fails, not yours. For the sake of a good result, then, try to submit to the suggestions of your photographer. We guarantee satisfaction....
When to come A bright day is not necessary. In fact, the light is best when the heavens are clouded... Light-haired and light-eyes subjects should avoid a very bright day if convenient.
How to come Never come in a hurry or a flurry. Red takes black and red faces take black. Moreover, if you are pushed for time, your pictures will present a worn and wearied expression, which you will not like....
How to dress Dress is a matter which should have your careful attention. The photographer is very much tried by his patrons sometimes, who place upon their persons, when about to sit for a picture, all sorts of gee-gaws and haberdasheries which they never wear at home, or when mingling among their friends. The consequence is some miserable distortions and caricatures... Dress naturally, and think a little while you are about it... The best materials to wear, for ladies, are such as will fold or drape nicely; for example, ....poplins, satins and silks. Materials with too much gloss are objectionable, though we can generally overcome that. The various colours in the dry goods market take about as follows: Lavender, Lilac, Blue Purple... take very light, and are worse photographically than pure white. Corn color and Salmon are better. Rose pink, crimson, pea green... show a pretty light gray in the photograph. Scarlet, Claret, Sea Green, Light Orange.... take still darker... Cherry, Wine colour, Bottle Green, Dark Orange... show nearly the same agreeable color in the picture, which is dark but not black. Striped goods, or goods having bold patterns in them, should never be worn for a picture. Avoid anything that will look streaky or spotty."
And so it goes on! One should bear in mind, of course, that at this time photographic plates were sensitive only to blue light.
© Robert Leggat, 1999