This photo measures a tiny 2" x 1-3/8" and cost 25 cents. I found it in a bin that had probably over a thousand old snapshots. At first I tossed it as quickly as I tossed 99% of what I saw. But then something registered and I thought, "Wait, someone was reading in the shot." By then I'd already covered it with many other shots and had to meticulously sort back through the mess. Even when I found it I wasn't sure. The lighting in the store was not conducive to seeing minute details. My eyes were tired and dry and I just wasn't sure. But seriously, I figured for 25 cents it was worth it just to get it home and scan it. The reason it's so small is that it is a contact sheet of a negative, thus the reason you see the film sprockets.
Photos of people reading is a category that isn't easy to find. Sure, if you shop on ebay a lot of images will show up, but in the world of stores/flea markets, etc. the category of reading shots are very rare.
This photo is not in my book, The Quiet Art of Reading.
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It's astounding that such a tiny print, in fact a real thumbnail image, would catch your artistic eye. Grandma/Ma and kids make a beautiful moment that even Norman Rockwell couldn't match! Certainly not for $0.25!
ReplyDeleteI'll admit to being quite fascinated when I scanned it. Far more detail than I would have imagined. I figured it would be very blurred. It's amazing how scanners have changed the world.
DeleteWhat a wonderful photo!
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of a still from an old 1940s film.
DeleteBeautiful photo - please put it in the "Tattered and Lost: The Quiet Art of Reading" sequel!!
ReplyDeleteI'll keep that in mind.
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