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Colin Clarke | all galleries >> Galleries >> SOUPE DU JOUR > 'Farmer Jack'
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c 1951 Unknown

'Farmer Jack'

Outside Gunnedah, NSW, Australia

"Viewing in 'historical mode' recommended for best results."

Before Diana and Holga cameras 'came to the funky party' recently, there were once
just 'family' cameras - like the Kodak folders, or Box Brownies, using 116 size roll
film to produce giant 2.5" x 4.25" negatives. (~6.3cm x 10.8cm). (Great contact prints.)

Compounding the difficulty to make a decent picture were several issues: the
"viewfinder" was a dull and very small glass prism; the extremely slow shutter speed
(often 1/25s.) caused blur from unsteady hands or moving subjects; and the slow
film speeds - around 40 asa - didn't always expose kindly. And then, add the element
of an uncertain, or young, or both, photographer. Plus, throw in some
sun flare from an unprotected, simple, meniscus lens. Challenges indeed!

Nevertheless, I recall that images such as the one above were honoured as family
treasures which recorded a moment in time, never to be repeated - which is,
after all, what we seek in recording 'life'. Here, for the record then, is an image of
me (again) - holding a black pup, and 'herding' hand raised lambs, in the yard below our home.

The image makes my memory sharp and clear again, even if the picture is not.


other sizes: small medium large original auto
John29-Mar-2009 13:49
It's just a gorgeous and very precious Photo. The story, your story, tells us all. A big Vote Colin.
endre novak28-Mar-2009 23:10
nice piece of the past, excellent atmosphere.
Guest 28-Mar-2009 20:23
Thanks for the caption,Colin.
The blur ,scratches/blemishes add so much character to this memory. These days,I find myself more attracted to the
"imperfections" of photography than the so-called "perfect" ones.
12328-Mar-2009 20:10
Love it. Right out of a dream state. I like the idea that there is something
that makes it less than static. V
Naomi 28-Mar-2009 16:32
This is wonderful, Colin. I can see that he's a very happy little boy.
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