The 1946 Black Box Camera
The 1946 Black Box Camera

The 1946 Black Box Camera

I fell in love with photography in 1946 when my family let me take the family’s box camera to school for a day. At recess I took the camera out to the playground. Miss Shamberger lined up a group of girls and instructed me where to stand to take the picture. With today’s iPhone I was able to edit and crop the photo for a little clearer image.

In those days the roll of film was only 12 exposures. So not to waste film, only 1 or 2 shots were taken of one subject. The fully used roll was taken to Olney’s Lasater’s Studio to be developed. Extra prints could be ordered from the negatives.

I have never had the desire to be a professional photographer, but have owned many cameras through the years. I have carried my cameras across the U.S. and on numerous international trips, and continue to enjoy the photos as years go by.

When I was traveling with an art group, we said to travel with this group you need to carry two cameras. If one camera malfunctions, you have a backup. There were no camera shops in remote areas.

As I look back, I have become saddened that during our children’s younger days we took very few snapshots.Those rolls and rolls of 8 mm home movies are hidden away to be lost in time. We have transferred some to more modern digital sources, but I still miss having the old photos to display in family albums.

Final thought: “Life is like a camera. Just focus on what’s important, and capture the good times, develop from the negatives and if things don’t turn out—just take another shot.” (a quote from FB)