Excerpt from Anthony's Photographic Bulletin, 1886, Vol. 17

Another class of amateurs are those who use the process for the purpose of scientific research in its many branches, and its usefulness in these is almost unlimited.

But it is the desire of the writer in this article to increase that number of thoughtful workers who delight to produce and appreciate a photograph artistic in all its effects. It is beyond my power or province to even attempt to discuss the question of whether photography is an art, but I do love to see a photo that has some resemblance or conforms to artistic rule. That such results can be oh tained by study is acknowledged. Many amateurs who have had no particular liking for a good picture, after a season or two of just such experiences as are above enumerated, often find themselves lingering over fine engravings or excel lent paintings with almost an analytical eye. The high character and beautiful execution of the illustrations in our periodicals of to-day, scattered broadcast over the land, should be sufficient to give one many a good idea with regard to selection of subject, both in grouping and landscapes. The artistic introduction of figures in the latter, or the well-arranged group, requires thought, and in the works of renowned artists, both on wood or steel and in colors, we have abun dance of example by which to profit in lighting, posing or properly balancing and supporting our pictures. These same principles are manifest in the hundreds of little gems that have found their way in every household in the land during the past holiday season, in the shape of Christmas or New Year's cards.

But s0me will say: We can't make photographs like these; they are the work of imagination. Granted. Yet many an amateur in looking them over will recollect that in his travels with the camera he has seen bits of nature bearing a close resemblance. He readily understands now wherein, in many ways, he could have bettered his photographs. The piece of roadway with the little bridge, or that old but on the hill side with the rustic gateway, were not made from the right point of View.

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