4 September 1916
BIG EXHIBITIONS were an important part of photographic culture during the rst half of the 20th century, and September traditionally marked the start of the ‘exhibition season’. Annual shows such as that held by the Royal Photographic Society were a much-anticipated event worthy of extensive coverage in the photo press. Sadly the 1916 RPS exhibition left AP’s correspondent somewhat underwhelmed, and pondering the reason for the absence of ‘what our American cousins would call “bite”’. Fortunately the problem was not irreversible. ‘We do not consider that the days of epoch-making pictorial results has passed,’ he added, optimistically, before setting out a list of qualities that a good exhibition picture required. ‘Photography is a very live art indeed, but progress must be made along the lines of direct appeal to the imagination, boldness of utterance, and simplicity of expression.’ He went on to explain that the most important quality of a good photograph was the creation of a lasting impression in the minds of others, and this required more than being merely a pretty picture. ‘A woman may be beautiful but the recollection of her face may fade away. But if the person has created an impression, they cause a desire for further acquaintance and would be thought of long afterwards.’ Among the qualities required to achieve this desire were originality. ‘When a man tries to model himself on similar lines to someone else he becomes arti cial. When he tries to develop and cultivate the better part of himself, whilst he remains true to himself, he becomes a power.’ Advice that still holds true to this day.