CYCLE SHOW PHOTO COMPETITION.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9887, 18 November 1897, Page 2

CYCLE SHOW PHOTO COMPETITION.

TO THE KDITOR OF Till* PRESS.

Sir, —There is a distiuct tone of disappointment in " Snapshot's" letter in your issue of the 17th, where be asks for a definition of an "amateur photographer." Here's au amateur definition for his delectation. "An amateur photographer is one who does less work than a professional, but does it better, and gets higher prices for it." " Snapshot" had plenty of opportunities of ventilating this subject immediately after the publication of the proapeotuß, but toolnone. He is a day behind tbe fair, and is possibly only a 'disappointed competitor. — Yours, &c, ARTIST. TO TIIE EDITOR OP TH_ PRES9. Sin, —" Snapshot" wants some light on the matter, because his views are underexposed and are of too narrow an angle. He says that three prize-winners in the late j competition are "professionals." They are not so, according to tho definition the Photo Committee agreed to. The Committee de> cided the word " amateur " should be taken iv a liberal sense, and would include all photographers except those who had places of business.—Yours, &c, . i-IT-WE Wl__lK. TO THK EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir,---I thoroughly sympathise with "Snapshot," and if an unsuccessful competitor no doubt be knows tbe old motto "Try, try, try again." Although not a photographer myself I am personally acquainted with a number of the competitors at the late Cycle Show competition. I do not think it a very difficult matter to define who is a professional and who an amateur, but as " Snapshot" does not mention names at least five of the successful ones aro considered first class amateurs, inasmuch as photography is not what they earn their wages or means of livelihood at. But possibly if " Snapshot" would meution a few names (at the same time giving his own proper name), no doubt the prize winners would be able to give him or her all the information desired as to their means of livelihood.—Yours, &c., G. Dacre.