Featured Lady on Dock and Daughter on Boat

What do you think of this photograph? The more I look at it the more I like it. I think the composition reminds of something the French Impressionists would do.

I changed some of the contrast and brightness to show the beams of light coming through the trees.

 

Yes, I would think influenced by the Impressionists. Anything on the back? Do you think the summer camp may have been near you?

Debora

 

I did not scan the back and the original is in a binder. Since I'm a book dealer I have about 4000 books here and I noticed that I don't have a place for photo albums that aren't personal. So, I have to go around looking for it when I get a chance.

 

It's beautiful. There is also a boy in a boat on the other side, and the person on the dock has her legs going down into that boat, if I'm seeing it correctly. She might be an older sibling rather than a mother. It's hard to tell. Wonderful image!

 

Nothing wrong with your eyes, @Figtree3 !!!!! BTW, You guys see there's a name on the boat?????

 

I found it. The back is blank. The paper is thin but not as thin as I've seen other old photographs. Does anyone know if the thinner paper is a sign of being reproductions? It does have a bit of the feel of a mass produced piece, but then the texture of the printing material (whatever they call photographic "ink") is thick so that it looks possibly more like an early photograph, but I'm just starting in this. You can see a slightly iridescent quality when you tilt it in the light.

 

I don't know anything about summer camps from that early. What time period do you think this is from? There is uneven toning on the back, almost looks like foxing but solid areas. Happy to scan it soon.

 

From the dresses and big hair bows, I would say a date range of 1900-1915 or so. The iridescent look might mean it is a silver gelatin print. Often the silver rises to the surface with age, giving a silvery sheen. I would live to see a good scan.

 

No, I didn't notice the name.

 

The vantage point is quite interesting. It's one of the things that makes your photograph painterly. It would likely have been taken by a Brownie camera. What size is your photograph?

Debora

 

I finally saw "the boat name!" But it's rather blurry. Maybe @Aquitaine can draw it out of the shadow?

 

I REALLY, REALLY wish I COULD make it better than this!!! Just not enough visible to work with....but it does look hand painted on!

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I think I used the highest setting on scanner. Will have to check. The original is 3.5" x 4.25" and the photo is dark.

 

That is a Brownie size.

https://www.brownie-camera.com/film.shtml

Debora

 

Oh, that's good news. That means a fairly high chance it's an original?

 

Getting ready to go fishing? Looks like the older girl/lady is holding a long, cane pole across her lap.