From the archive
16 March 1921
THIS WEEK 100 years ago AP’s thoughts were on its readers in the colonies and the problems of shooting in hot climates. ‘In the aftermathmay be regarded as the connecting link between English-speaking photographers in every corner of the globe.’ Violet F Taylor of the British West Indies wrote about portraiture in the tropics with a box Brownie. Shooting in the Caribbean sun was best done after 4pm, while portraits in dark interiors were possible ‘if a subject as patient as “A Jamaican Cook” is found, who remained in one position without moving for as long as one minute.’ CR Denton of West Africa warned ‘the difficulties that arise in that part of the world can only be overcome when the worker has an ardent and enthusiastic temperament.’ But ‘the various types of races and people that dwell on the coast form the most attractive material for the camera.’ If CF Denton ever aspired to sell his work the Press Photography Course promised to teach him how. ‘One student of the PCC took a photograph for which paid £100,’ it boasted. A fee of £100 for one photo would be above average in 2021, let alone the £4,500 this would be worth now. But he’d have to hurry: ‘On the Great Clock of Time there is but one word – NOW.’
