Complete Photographer

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. Obody who has once come under the spell Of the camera, and has so far penetrated into the mysteries of photography as to be able to expose with a reasonably quiet mind as to the ultimate nature of his negatives, can ever there after free himself completely from its fascination. I have been under the spell for nearly thirty years, but my camera is as good a companion as ever, and photography is as entertaining in 1914 as in 1885. And incalculably easier also. The great reduction in its difficulties and complications has made the camera vastly more popular, but at the same time it has had the curious and unforeseen result that, comparatively speaking, there are fewer amateurs to whom its use is their chief hobby. Formerly success was only to be attained by concentrating one's hole attention on the processes employed, and photography was the pursuit of a few enthusiasts. Today, while almost every one photographs, there has not been SO vast an increase in the number of enthusiasts, although the increase has been a large one. Many have been led by its facility to take it up casually, and have found that even in that way it will furnish a great deal Of pleasure and Of attractive and useful occupation. Some Of these are led further and further in its pursuit. They find that in spite of hand-cameras, mechanical development, and gaslight papers, there is still plenty of scope for the exercise Of personal Skill there are plenty Of difficulties to confront and triumphs to achieve, and that as a pastime an inexhaustible field opens out before them as they proceed. To such a field the later chapters of this book may serve as an introduction.