Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Captured: America in Color from 1939-1943

These colored slides were taken from 1939 to 1943 by photographers from the Farm Security Administration and are some of the only color photographs taken of the effects of the Depression on America’s rural populations. Over the next few months I'll show photos from the entire collection.


The photographs are great study material for today's photographers. Pay particular attention to the composition and content of each photo in this series.


There's a touch of mystery in the first photo. Why are these people crowded around the barn? What's going on? Who are they? Notice the balance in the image from right to left, it's very interesting. Two sets of "rule of thirds" on each side and a wagon in the center. But the line recedes from the couple on the right to the wagon in the middle to the people on the left. Our eye is drawn in and through the photo, up the silo and across into the crowded barn and back to the couple on the right. A complete circle.


Farm auction. Derby, Connecticut, September 1940. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress




Breaking the rules: the front line of the tent (a horizon line of sorts) is not level. The top corner of the banner is deliberately not included in the photo. However, these elements work extremely well with the ropes and poles holding the tent and the lines in the graphics and signage. Lots of action in the lines of this photo make a very interesting and lively image. The photograph was taken from a low point of view (pov) adding power.


Barker at the grounds at the state fair. Rutland, Vermont, September 1941. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress




The photographer used a magnificent play of light and shadow to grab our attention. The arcs of light draw us in to the center of the image. Notice the welder on the right side of the photo. The rule of thirds!


A welder who works in the round-house at the Chicago and Northwestern Railway Company's Proviso yard. Chicago, Illinois, December 1942. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress


Here the entire scene is well balanced from the calendar and clock on the wall, to the way the women are seated around the table to the items spread out on the table. However, the photographer has made the image look casual and candid.


Women workers employed as wipers in the roundhouse having lunch in their rest room, Chicago and Northwest Railway Company. Clinton, Iowa, April 1943. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress




The photographer gave this image a very powerful look by shooting at an upward angle giving his subject a very commanding appearance. Very commanding!  


Mike Evans, a welder, at the rip tracks at Proviso yard of the Chicago and Northwest Railway Company. Chicago, Illinois, April 1943. Reproduction from color slide. Photo by Jack Delano. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress








All photos by Jack Delano




Hope you enjoy these images and photography tips!







30 comments:

Tat said...

It's fascinating looking at colour photos from such a long time ago. Thanks for sharing.

Janaki Nagaraj said...

Awesome.

Susan Deborah said...

Enjoyed the transportation into another era, Mary.

Best wishes.

Joy always,
Susan

Savy1920 said...

You took me back in time...

Mari Bruins said...

I loved these!  Thanks for bringing me back in time, and for the lesson too!

PK Talli said...

These are some wonderful photographs Mari and I always look forward to your tips :)

Keep smiling:)

24x7Clicks

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Glad you enjoyed!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

I agree!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Glad you enjoyed!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

I was born in 1946 - makes these extra interesting!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Hope the lessons are something you can use in your own lovely photography.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

So happy you enjoy the tips!

lakwatsera de primera said...

I like the film-noir effect on the 4th photo, it's seems like a scene taken from a movie.

Rogueartist said...

One can certainly tell that these were reproduced from slides.  How wonderful that they have been so well preserved!  This is a most interesting post, Mari!  Thanks for sharing it with us!!!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

They must have been preserved by the group that commissioned them - the Farm Security Admin.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

A scary movie at that! But I love those lol.

jan said...

So cool, I love these. Thank you.

Tagged ArtLover said...

These are National treasure Mari, thanks for sharing

Red Nomad Oz said...

They're all so full of life, colour and movement!  It wouldn't have occurred to me to look at them more critically in order to learn from them - but now I can apply the photographic lessons you've elicited from them!!

Absurdtraveler said...

Great photos and I like how you have explained how they work. I like the last one best. Reminds me of some soviet imagery of the invincible worker. 

Cloudia said...

fascinating - and instructive!

Aloha from Waikiki;

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cookingvarieties said...

Hi mari, you have great talent and did excellent reviews on all these vintage photos.
Very useful tips that I can share and learn. This part of your photography tutorials is rarely found in blogs… many thanks for that and have a wonderful weekend.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Your welcome - glad you enjoyed.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

I agree!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

I'm happy you enjoyed these. 

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

I agree about the last photo.

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Glad you enjoyed!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

cookingvarieties has left a new comment on your post "Captured: America in Color from 1939-1943": Hi mari, you have great talent and did excellent reviews on all these vintage photos. Very useful tips that I can share and learn. This part of your photography tutorials is rarely found in blogs… many thanks for that and have a wonderful weekend. 

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

Wan - I glad you enjoyed them!

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