108 PACIFIC STATES FLORAL CONGRESS. 



where the true skill of the photographer comes in, if he desires to 

 express in his pictures, and transmit to others, these exquisite distinc- 

 tions that his artistic temperament makes him sensitive to. To be able 

 to get these results, we depend, next to lighting, upon what are called 

 chemical effects, and good chemical effects are only obtained by the 

 proper relationship of time and development. 



Probably it would be interesting if I describe a few flower studies 

 that were taken recently, for then the ideas I wish to convey can be 

 made more intelligible. 



The night-blooming cereus I found a somewhat difficult subject to 

 handle, as it was over ten inches in diameter, and had to be reduced 

 to fit the plate. The color was a pale green, so that an isochromatic 

 plate was not needed. Its cup was fully four and a half inches deep, 

 and to avoid getting the interior too dark, it had to be turned slightly 

 to a soft, broad light, and a canary-colored reflector was found neces- 

 sary to modify the intensity of the deeper shadows. The background 

 used was a plain cardboard of a light olive tint. By a careful handling 

 of the curtains a fine gradation from a delicate gray to a pure black 

 was secured in the background, thus giving a rich quality, setting off 

 in bold relief this truly regal flower. 



Of an entirely different type and character are the many little 

 cherry blossoms in another picture; therefore a distinct change in the 

 handling was necessary. As the first aim in all flower studies should 

 be to express character, texture, and sentiment of the subject in hand, 

 one must be very sensitive to any suggestions the flower itself may seem 

 to impart in regard to treatment. For example, illumination on these 

 blossoms was sharp and narrow to the side, and slightly from the rear, 

 without a reflector. This handling was entirely different from the 

 large, single cereus. Even the background was changed as to surface, 

 tint, and shading, it having a different mission to perform in this 

 case, the suggestion of atmospheric environment; in the other, the 

 appearance of plastic relief. 



The characteristic charm of the cherry blossoms is the expression of 

 dainty crispness, and to preserve this all legitimate resources were 

 brought to bear by harmonizing the lighting, exposure, and develop- 

 ment. 



The principal features of the little geranium plant are its quaint- 

 ness of outline and contrasts in tone values. It may be of interest 

 o know that it was taken while growing in its earthen jar. I might 

 state here, m passing, that there is a notion that flowers should be 

 tken when on the growing plant. On the contrary, there are many 

 that adapt themselves better for artistic effects two and even three days 

 after being cut, as they then become more pliable, and fall readily 



