In
1920, Horace Kephart took a series
of photographs of the Bryson City
Bridge and carefully noted the camera
settings. In doing so he applied his
characteristic methodical nature to
his long time interest in photography.
He well understood the value of photographs
from a personal perspective as well
as the need for photographs to illustrate
his writings. His photograph album,
an assemblage of pictures from publications
and original photographs, documented
his arrival and observations in western
North Carolina. This album can be
viewed by clicking the link above.
Kephart took photographs of his own, as seen in the album and the photo-log
book. However, he also incorporated photographs from professional photographers
and government publications in both his album and publications. In particular,
he developed a long friendship with Japanese photographer George Masa
whose work included an emphasis on the Great Smoky Mountains. Many of
Masa's photographs are available in Special Collections at Hunter Library.
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From
Camping and Woodcraft, volume
1, pages 176-177:
Camera -One cuts his coat according to his cloth, but if you can afford
a camera with quick lens and high-speed shutter, it will pay well in good
pictures. On wilderness trips it is the rule, not the exception, that
you must "shoot" when the light is poor.
Again, you want a picture that tells a story, a true story, and nine
times out of ten, the only way to get it is by a snapshot taken unawares.
When people pose for a camp scene or any other picture they are self-conscious,
stiff, or showing off.
Your chance to get a story-picture always pops up unexpectedly. You
must work quickly, or not at all. There is no chance to manuvre
for position, no time to wait on the sun. And if your camera is too large
to carry in a pocket or on your belt, then, two to one, you haven't got
it with you. So get a camera not over 3 1/4 x 4 1/4, with special lens
and shutter, if you can. At best you will spoil a good many exposures,
and you can well afford to have the really good ones enlarged.
A handy way to carry a camera is to remove the sling, cut two slits
in back of a leather case, and wear it on your belt over the hip. Then
it is out of the way, does not dangle when you stoop nor flop when you
run, and yet is instantly at your service.
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