Thanks Mr. Eastman!

In 1888 the first hand held camera was offered to the public. A small box made with cardboard, using a fixed lens and a single shutter speed. It was the birth of photography for the masses. This was only possible after the invention of film about 4 years before. Both of these by George Eastman (July 12, 1854 – March 14, 1932). In 1892 he founded the Eastman Kodak Company, in Rochester, New York.

This wasn't the digital era, the camera had to be returned to the company for film processing. While batteries were not required, there was no preview, no review, no on-line printing or wireless upload for social media. Without possibly ever knowing it, Eastman started it.

For decades, the Kodak company was at the core of photography around the entire planet. Film, processing materials, photographic papers, etc. The arrival of other camera manufacturers that used film made for a booming business.

"Nothing last for ever but the earth and sky" On Thursday January 19th 2012 the company filed for bankruptcy.

One of the most widely sold cameras from Kodak is the Brownie series. Production of the various model stopped some time in the 1960s. Below are a few examples of these cameras George Eastman designed and marketed to the world.

The Brownie Six-16. Sold between 1933 and 1941. Leatherette covered metal box; front panel with geometric Art Deco design. Original Price $3.50


Here next to a tradition 35mm film camera



The Brownie Target Six-16. Sold between 1946 and 1951. Original price $4.00


Here next to a traditional 35mm film camera



The Brownie Target Six-20. Sold between 1946 and 1952. Vertical line design on front panel. Original price $3.50


Here next to a traditional 35mm film camera



The Brownie Flash IV. Manufactured in the U.K. Sold between 1957 and 1959.


Here next to a traditional 35mm film camera

Maples Pavilion 21st

A physical game where both teams ran a strong defense. The Stanford Cardinal would take another win with a final score of 65-47 against Washington State.


Nnemkadi Ogwumike with 17 game points


Nnemkadi Ogwumike


Chiney Ogwumike with 11 game points

Maples Pavilion 19th

Yet another good performance by the Stanford Cardinal against the Washington State Cougars. With a final score of 75-41

Nnemkadi Ogwumike scored 22 points for the game



Joslyn Tinkle at the line



Amber Orrage at the line



Sarah Boothe

Time Window #1

The relationship between images and time has been discussed for centuries. Evidently long before photography even existed. The discussion originated when painters began to paint portraits. People would age, but the person on the painting would not.

So, how can we connect the two? How do we reconcile these images?

Portrait photography, just like painting, attempts to capture not only the elements of image composition but also something about the person. Something that belongs to that person in front of the lens. Perhaps a fraction of their personality, or their passion, maybe other characteristic like kindness or balance.

Photographers and critics say that, while the actual moment captured in a photograph is only a fraction of a second, it encapsulate time before and after that moment. As soon as the photo is taken we understand that the moment depicted on that image is past. However, when looking at the image, the viewer can infer the immediate past and future. Given enough clues a time and place can be determined, which provides even more information about the encapsulated time.

When the photo is taken the moment is frozen for eternity. Regardless of the elapsed time, the viewer can see the elements as fresh and alive as they were the moment it was taken.

The frozen moment becomes a window through time.

What does it keep?

A door in it's functional sense separates two adjacent spaces. But it represents much more.

When wide open, a door is a welcoming sign. Represents open access to a room, a person or situation. With a clear view into the space it would otherwise protect, it presents the opportunity of passage.

When shut it represents a block. It impedes access to a space, person or situation. Sometimes keeping behind the unknown it represents the limit. Is it hiding something? Is it protecting something? A small close door can be more interesting than an open gate. It's the tension of the discovery, the promise of access to something no one else has. Perhaps something no one else has ever seen. What does it keep?

In life we come across many doors. Some will be shut, some will be open. Some we control and some we don't. They represent an opportunity of passage into a different space from where we come from. Will we be surprised by what we find behind? Will it be a familiar and comfortable place? Will it bring joy that space on the other side? No one can tell for sure but, one thing is true, one can only access this space while the door is open.

On the other hand however, if the door is closed, the mind will not stop wondering.

Dessert

I would like to say that I came across this plate in an accidental way. But that would be lying.

Right before closing time the girls at the shop prepared the most delicious crepe so far. I normally frequent this place on the weekend but today I was looking for a little sugar boost outside the routine stop.

The fabric of a photograph

"A photograph is always invisible, it's not it that we see." Roland Barthes

Your eyes will be drawn to the focal point of the composition. The left side of the brain will try to identify the two dimensional representations of real objects by matching them to known shapes stored in long term memory.

Once the left side of the brain is satisfied in the analysis of detail, at least of the main elements in the composition, it will slowly yield to the right side. By the time you are considering the scene as a whole the right side is almost fully in charge.

And here is where the magic happens!

Unlike video, with multiple frames per second that keep the left side of the brain engaged on something happening outside, when looking at a photograph time stops and lets the mind wonder. With the right side of the brain in charge and, with little amount of control, you are in for the ride.

You can go back in time. Dig up memories and remember similar places you have been before. You can smell the ocean, hear the wind move the grass, feel the breeze on your skin. You know how it feels to touch the bark on the tree or the cold feel of the metal handrail. Where were you last time your hands touched something like this, the last time your skin felt the moisture of the wind?

You can fast forward. Does it represent a place you want to travel to? Do you want to be there? Would you detest being there? How would you feel being there?

Either forward or back in time it will not be limited to the senses. It will also involve feelings. The mind can "chain" memories and experience to any one emotion humans are capable of. Sadness, happiness, anger, excitement, defeat, amazement, success, humility, intrigue, joy.

A photograph can be something like a mirror. We see ourselves in it, our memories, our dreams. Our sadness and cheer. Our vision of life.

How many dimensions are encapsulated in photographs? What do you see? Or would it be better to say, what can you feel, remember, dream?