CHAPTER NINESuggesting the Subject: The Evolution of Pictorialism
ROOTS OF PICTORIALISM: SYMBOLISM
By the 1880s, public fascination with photographic reality was losing some of its luster as hordes of snap-shooters could now make their own photographs. People were questioning the previously semi-magical position of professional photographers and the level of intelligence, sensitivity, and skill required to make photographs. The photographer’s status as a shaman had suffered a body blow. The professional portrait business declined as amateurs made more photographs of people. The photography studios needed something to restore their authority and their business. In response, organizations such as the Photographers’ Association of America formed ...
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