History Archives - Shadows and Light

Photography as Architectural Preservation: The Old Almeda Theatre in Houston

Fine art photographer Keith Dotson presses his point that photographs of abandoned buildings are a form of architectural preservation, with a rare color photograph of a demolished Houston movie theatre.

Wilson’s Photographics (1881) – The Most Important Photography Book You’ve Never Heard Of

Video and high-resolution images from the photography book that taught Edward S. Curtis to be a photographer

New Podcast Episode: Edward S. Curtis — the Photographer Native Americans Called ‘the Shadow Catcher’

In this episode of the Fine Art Photography podcast, the life and work of photographer Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952), who was nicknamed 'the shadow catcher' by Native Americans.

Listing of Historic Photography Magazines with Links to Scanned Issues

A running list of historic photography magazines with their masthead designs and links to scanned online sources where they can be read.

‘Sketchy Experiences,’ Humor from the 1891 Edition of Wilson’s Photographic Magazine

A humorous story from the January, 1891 issue of Wilson's Photographic Magazine about two lovers caught up in the new photo craze, who part ways because they chose different brands of cameras.

A Visit to Cave-in-Rock: Notorious Lair of River Pirates and Outlaws

Fine art photographer Keith Dotson takes us on a video visit to Cave-In-Rock Illinois, with a history of its outlaw past, and a walk inside the cave.

Historic British Camera Store Ad Circa 1857

Historic ad for Horne & Thornthwaite's Photographic Establishment in London circa 1857.

How to Make an Albumen Print According to 1857 Directions

Full text of "The Albumen Process" from The Liverpool and Manchester Photographic Journal, published 1857

Who Were Bell, Barker, and Jennings? (From an Old Sign in Lynchburg, Virginia)

Fine art photographer researched an old sign he shot in Lynchburg, Virginia. Who were Bell, Barker, and Jennings?