The photos here were taken by my uncle, Earle Dobson, and are explained in his own words.
"A silhouette of yours truly taken against a medium sunlit window on 1/25 sec., diaphragm set at f.16."
"The window in the picture below is in the rear of this church. This is one of my best pictures. This little Episcopal church stands in Jackson Hole and foresight was certainly shown in the selection of this location and the installation of the window. Grand Teton Mt. Curtis."
"Taken through window behind the pulpit in the little Episcopal church shown in the picture above. Anyone, regardless of creed, could worship here. When one steps through the church door, he is immediately silenced with a great awe when he beholds those majestic peaks behind the cross."
This is the finest scenery picture I have ever taken, bar none. It was taken about 11:00 a.m. and is one of the Teton peaks with Jenny Lake at its foot. We came suddenly upon this view, and it almost took my breath away. Horizontal view would have been better but not enough Kodak. You may keep this one. Oct. 23, 1938."
"Teton Peaks from Jackson Hole. Grand Teton is second from right (el. 13,766 ft.). This picture is not so good on account of too much foreground. The car should not have been in it; also, there is not enough sky behind the peaks."
"Bernice and I opening our gifts at 1:30 a.m. Christmas morning. A very fine picture. Taken by photo floodlights and self-timing shutter, which takes pictures by itself." 
Speaking of the self-timing shutter, Earle didn't quite make it into this picture in time, which meant, of course, that it had to be taken again. The date was July 19, 1953, after the passing of Ina's eldest child, Pearl. From left: Myrtle (Aunt Lynn), Vance (my dad), Ina, Earle, Ethel, and Shirley. They are seated on the west side of the woodshed. Also, note the strap around Earle's neck which is connected to the light meter in his shirt pocket. KW
Great photos and how wonderful to have his own words tell about them. Photography was obviously a very important part of his life.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound like he studied what made for a good photo. The mountains are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteDid he develop his own film or send away?
Uncle Earle took his pictures mostly at Yellowstone or the Tetons. He didn't travel much, if at all.
ReplyDeleteHe did not have a dark room. The film was developed elsewhere. He must have kept notes on his settings -- or else he had a good memory.