ON PHOTOGRAPHING MEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21365, 19 June 1931, Page 10

ON PHOTOGRAPHING MEN

Mr Howard-Coster is now recognised as one of the leading photographers of London. He photographs only men. Writing in the Star, he said: —“ It is not that the average man is more clever or more interesting than the average woman that I photograph men exclusively. It is simply that 1 find that my work can be more sincere. In endeavouring to bring out the power and force of a man, lighting is of the greatest importance, but 1 use no ‘ formula.’ Consequently, each case must be tackled on its merits, and much time and ingenuity is needed to obtain the right effect. Praise be to man, clothes do not enter into his scheme of things, and so I am free to go on with the work of portraying him in the hundred and one moods his face can express. At least 90 per cent, of my ‘sitters’ are men who have done or are doing important work in the world. For instance, I recently photographed an architect high up in his profession. To me he was a perfect joy. I merely handed him a stick of charcoal and a large piece of drawing paper. Immediately he lost himself in designing a plan, and the ‘ sitting ’ was over for him For me the fun had only commenced. Ido not know how many photographs I took of that man. I fancy nearly 20. But each one presented an expression that was not inspired by ‘look pleasant, please ’ command. Recently 1 photographed a well-known author, and like all truly great men he was quiet and rather retiring. But over a cigarette and a cup of tea he opened my eyes to a world full of beautiful things. God be thanked that such men exist! ’’