Which pre-war photographer do you like best?

[thekingofclout]

Here are examples of each of the photographer's work.


cobbvanoeyen.jpg Louis Van Oeyen

baberuthCONLON.jpg Charles Conlon

thorpebygeorgebain.jpg George Grantham Bain

mattythompson.jpg Paul Thompson

dizzydeanburke.jpg George Burke

[batsballsbases]

It has to be Burke for me. Just beautiful pictures!

[perezfan]

They're all marvelous, but to me Bain's photos carry the greatest mystique. Tough choice between him and the others, but I voted for Bain... maybe because his photos tend to include more background specifics and interesting stadium features (see below).

That huge net in back of Cobb, the fact that virtually everyone is wearing a straw hat (in the other Cobb photo) and the ridiculous distance between the fans and the field of play (in the Carlisle/Syracuse photo) all add interest and intrigue. My guess, however is that Conlon will win the popular vote when all is said and done.

Post-war photographer is much easier for me... the incomparable Malcolm Emmons gets my vote.

[D. Bergin]

I've gotta go with Conlon.

The clarity on his shots were just amazing. You could almost see the sweat coming out of the pores of a guys face. I wish he had shot boxing also.

I like Burke but I think he used a softer focus filter, I prefer the grittier realism approach of Conlan.

Bain was pretty basic.

I think Paul Thompson may be under-rated. I actually think he's a step above Burke as far as quality.

I'm not familiar with Van Oeyan

[Leon]

What, no Horner?

[thekingofclout]

but ultimately, I omitted him due to the fact that he was a studio photographer, albeit the finest without question.

Also, for me, the common denominator for the five I chose is they all shot at the ballpark and they all photographed the Bambino. If Horner ever shot Ruth, I'm not aware of it.

Best regards, Jimmy

[Rob D.]

Because of his Cleveland connection, Louis Van Oeyen is the obvious choice for me.

These are from the Halper collection. Was thrilled when I got them:

[thekingofclout]

mattybyvanoeyen.jpg Louis Van Oeyen

gehrigconlon.jpg Charles Conlon

collinsbybain1916.jpg George Grantham Bain

lajoiebypaulthompson.jpg Paul Thompson

babeburke.jpg George Burke

[barrysloate]

Hey Rob- I went with Van Oeyen also. Something about those sepia tones that really appeals to me...Conlon is great too.

[jacksons]

Great thread, Jimmy.

Bain it is for me, as well. I have some great early Highlanders photos from him.

perezfan - I've always been particular to that first Cobb of yours. One of my favorites. Missed out on it in Hunt's a few years back.

Love the subtlety of his finger position on the bat - he clearly had a message for the photographer. Who didn't he have a message for?

[GKreindler]

Can't I vote for all of them, damn it?!

Seriously, they're all kings.

[drc]

I voted for Bain, but like them all. Horner would have gathered some votes.

[william_9]

Charles Conlon got me interested in the subject of early baseball photography as he is really the only "name" that anyone who is a casual observer has ever heard of. He would be my sentimental favorite. I love that he could bring out a personality through his photos. Whether it was a casual moment during batting practice or in an action shot, I always felt like I was closer to knowing the players. In reality, we know very little, but the images speak to us in different ways. In fact, I say he's largely responsible for people longing for the "good ole days". I enjoy a game on TV, but, I don't feel the same connection to modern players as those who are pictured in Conlon's work.

It's great see some other images that have another name attached to them as well. These photo threads have been some of my favorites.

[thekingofclout]

Originally Posted by william_9

Charles Conlon got me interested in the subject of early baseball photography as he is really the only "name" that anyone who is a casual observer has ever heard of. He would be my sentimental favorite. I love that he could bring out a personality through his photos. Whether it was a casual moment during batting practice or in an action shot, I always felt like I was closer to knowing the players. In reality, we know very little, but the images speak to us in different ways. In fact, I say he's largely responsible for people longing for the "good ole days". I enjoy a game on TV, but, I don't feel the same connection to modern players as those who are pictured in Conlon's work.

It's great see some other images that have another name attached to them as well. These photo threads have been some of my favorites.

You absolutely nailed it William.

[GKreindler]

I agree with Jimmy. Bravo, William.

And for the record, the next time the National is out in Cleveland (or anyone is in Cleveland, for that matter), it might be worth your while to check out the Western Reserve Historical Society. Supposedly, they have thousands of Van Oeyen originals in their archives, plenty of which are on display. I had hoped that I would be able to make it to the museum last July, but I couldn't seem to get away.