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WILLIAMSPORT-SUN GAZETTE, October 5, 1991
Letters from Sun-Gazette Readers
Mediocre At Its Best
Editor, Sun-Gazette.
Due to the recent justifiable fuss about the photographic display at
Lycoming College, it seems that a trained photographic viewpoint may be
in order.
This display is poor/mediocre photography. It shows considerable black
and white grain structure, likely from the use of small amateur film. The
lighting is flat, umbrella style-the simple way to light without skill-resulting
in lack of highlights, brilliance or character and with a stark, white background.
The posing is unusual in a stupid, senseless manner-having no purpose to
the viewer. Many poses (such as hanging upside down from the top of the
frame, or a nude man in the child's swing) are beyond stupid.
Photographically speaking, from a professional of 40 years training with
persons, such as Mr. Karsh, Joe Zeltsman and similar teachers, this is as
dumb an assortment as this writer has ever observed from countless displays.
As a matter of art (if it is)-it is not an art that normal people fathom.
For delivering a "medical" message, not so. Even with the suggestive
one-word titles, the viewer would be hard pressed to connect the title to
its subject print. Could not the same person be depressed with some clothes
on? The primary objective seems to be that some person with limited camera
knowledge wanted to photograph a few boys with all their clothes off.
A great deal of work has gone into framing and mats and such work is
well done. A lot of effort toward a poor result.
For a display in a "proper" co-ed college, concerned parents
might easily be infuriated. The officials and staff should be ashamed.
Ted Davis
Ted Davis Studio
Williamsport, PN
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