Mrs. Clemons Poses
Monday, May 25, 2009 at 3:54PM
Timebinder in ADULT PORTRAITS

This photograph was done by a photographer who knew what he/she was doing where glamour was the goal. The “Mrs.” written on the back indicates that this was a private portrait and not a promotional for a personality, so we may assume. Was the very unusual and dramatic “hand on the head” profile shot her idea or the photographers? She had the figure that was de rigueur for the period (1920s) and she knew it.

Nothing is by chance: notice that a backlight catches the fine facial hair to enhance the profile; the focus is shallow – restricted to her hand, arm, shoulder and face, everything else is softer or out of focus (though you can tell the beads on the dress are tubular); there is just a point of light in the eye.

This print was in excellent condition, requiring little restoration; I preserved the tone because it is delightful; my only wish is that it had not been done on an impressed texture paper, but that too is period. Glad this print survived; glad I have it.

 

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