PHOTOGRAPHY 8i 



in advance. Photograph the Christmas tree, or decora- 

 tions, or the church adornment, or some occurrence of 

 the day, sure that it will be valuable a year hence. 



The same suggestions apply to Easter, 

 Easter Cards now becoming almost as much a festival 

 of joyous giving as is Christmas. The 

 Easter opportunities are, however, decoratively much 

 greater, as it is the custom to have many flowers in 

 bloom at that time. Lilies are especially significant of 

 the day, and all the spring-blooming bulbous flowers, 

 as hyacinths, tulips, daffodils and the like, are in order 

 for Easter remembrances. Of course one could not 

 forget the lily-of-the-valley, most dainty and charming 

 of spring blooms, and one, too, that will tax the deco- 

 rative photographer's skill to the utmost, while as well 

 rewarding him most richly for real success. 



In obtaining negatives to use for making Easter 

 cards care needs to be exercised, to work with the idea 

 of simplicity of arrangement always in mind. I reiterate 

 this, even though it become tiresome ; for complexity 

 has spoiled more floral compositions than any other 

 fault. A single tulip, with its foliage ; one rose and 

 perhaps a bud ; just two or three lily-of-the-valley 

 blooms with their leaves — these, thoughtfully handled, 

 will provide negatives of much value. The elusive 

 beauty of the violet and the pansy: may be put on glass, 

 given enough plates and patience. 



Naturally, the use of photographically 

 r rt ^ decorated cards will appeal to the 

 worker who must remember the natal 

 days of his friends. A bit of a portrait, a scene in 

 which the friend has had a part ; a familiar flower, a 

 nook in the home — suggestions will make themselves, 

 almost, for anniversary use. 



For all these uses, let me mention a plan that some- 

 times helps greatly in the finish of the result. Lettering 

 is often essential to the card scheme, and many times 

 the negative that seems appropriate is not the correct 

 size. To mount the desired print on a proper card, to 

 draw or write on it the words or phrases necessary, 

 and then to carefully photograph the whole to the 

 selected size is not very difficult. 



