I recently acquired two photos by early Colorado photographers (or their studio, in the one instance) that I admire. They aren't particularly noteworthy as images, but they were relatively inexpensive and I was drawn to them largely for their connection to Colorado's past and to the photographers who nspire my own wet plate collodion photography efforts. Both images date to the 1880s; curiously enough, both photographers were born in 1843.
The older of the two comes from William Henry Jackson, (1843–1942) or more precisely, his first Denver studio. After finishing his photographic work with the Hayden Survey of 1878, he decided to open a photography studio at 413 Larimer Street in Denver. From what I've learned in some quick online research, Jackson was not very interested in portrait photography, preferring to work on the landscapes and scenery for which he is justifiably famous. While he is listed in Denver city directories for 1880 at the 413 Larimer Street address, the 1881 directory has him situated at 18th and Wazee and A.E. Rinehart, another photographer, is doing business at the 413 Larimer address.
Portrait of identified man by W.H. Jackson studio, Denver, Colorado, circa 1880
Reverse of carte de visite, W.H. Jackson studio, circa 1880
The clothing worn by the gentleman suggests this carte de visite dates to the early 1880s--but from the change in Jackson's business location, as shown in the Denver city directories, it looks like the image can be dated more specifically to 1880, or possibly even 1879. I'll learn more when the copy of Jackson's autobiography that I ordered finally arrives, but I'm wondering if it is possible that Jackson actually took this photograph.. It is interesting to note that the portrait is not well-lighted--the light is coming largely from above, giving the man's face dark shadows under the cheekbones (I know 'cause I've made a few portraits with the same effect/defect); some reflectors are needed to fill in that gaunt look.
The other image is by Charles Goodman (1843–1912). He worked in western Colorado, Utah, and other locations in the West. During the 1880s, he had a studio in Montrose, Colorado. The cabinet card shows a scene along the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad with a date of 1886, both marked on the image. Because I'm getting into landscapes with my own wet plate work, I thought this image would be interesting to see up close. I'd love to learn the location where the photograph was taken (looks like I need to do some more research). This photo was taken with the camera pointed almost into the sun--you can see the lens glare on the right side and the front sides of the bigger rocks are in shadow. Even so, Goodman managed to get pretty good contrast on the rocks and trees that line the canyon, difficult with all the light reflecting off the river.
Cabinet card view along Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, Colorado, by Charles Goodman, 1886
Reverse of cabinet card
I really enjoy looking at, researching, and learning from old photographs like these. If I learn anything more about these two, I'll let you know!