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Unidentified photographer/creator
Taking a Photograph by the Magnesium Light
1884, 30 May
Journal illustration
Google Books
LL/42265
"Taking a Photograph by the Magnesium Light" The Photographic News, Vol.XXVIII, No.1343, May 30, 1884, p.347-348.
Taking portraits at night by the electric light is now a matter of every-day occurrence, and has many advantages, but as an experiment it is too expensive for the amateur photographer to undertake.
Our engraving illustrates a novel and easy method of photographing by the aid of the magnesium light. If a magnesium ribbon of a certain length be used, the ash will sometimes drop, and suddenly extinguish the light.
This difficulty may be overcome by the use of magnesium powder mixed with fine sand. Upon a metal or wooden rod six or eight feet long is clamped an alcohol soldering lamp capable of giving a large horizontal flame, and above it a funnel of tin or brass with a short mouth about threequarters of an inch in diameter. The lamp should be quite close to the funnel; the rod may be secured at the bottom to any suitable base of wood or metal, and may rest upon a table instead of the floor. A pan or dish set upon the base will catch any falling particles.
The proper focus may be obtained by focussing upon the flame of a candle placed where the person is to sit. The shadows are softened by reflecting the light with a white muslin screen secured to a frame, which may be tilted at any angle, as shown. No cap is used on the lens.
One thimbleful of magnesium powder is mixed with two of fine sand, with a spoon or piece of wood, upon a white sheet of paper.
To make the exposure, the operator, after fixing the sitter in position, and drawing the slide of the plate-holder, simply steps up to the funnel, and quickly dumps the magnesium mixture into it The alcohol lamp Bets fire to the magnesium, as it, in falling, comes in contact with the flame, and a long, brilliant, dazzling sheet of light, lasting for a second or two, is the result. Such a brief exposure is generally sufficient. The duration of the flame can be regulated by the addition or subtraction of the magnesium or sand.
Should a picture be over exposed, the duration of exposure can be shortened by the addition of a little sand and a corresponding diminution of magnesium powder. If a larger amount of magnesium; is used in proportion to the sand than that stated, the light will be more brilliant and of short duration. By varying the proportions of the two, it is possible to produce a flame of light from six to seven feet in length.
The large area of the light tends to diffuse the same, softens the shadows, and gives to the picture a brilliant effect.
By varying the position of the light, very artistic effects of light and shade may be produced The Bitter should be placed so as to look away from the point where the light is to appear, in order that the dazzling effect of its intense glow may be avoided. Once the proper proportion of magnesium powder has been ascertained, several exposures may be made one after the other, with the certainty of obtaining good pictures each time.
As an experiment, nothing can be more attractive and entertaining than taking a photograph at night. Scientific American.
[Editorial note: This article with a different illustration was also published in "Taking a Photograph by the Magnesium Light" Photography, May 1, 1884, Vol.1, No.1, p.63-64.
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