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Archiver > Scotch-Irish > 1998-02 > 0888533399


From: stan johnson <>
Subject: Re: Sordid details and sour pusses
Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 19:14:55 ET


** Reply to note from 26 Feb 1998 18:49:58 EDT
>
> Is there a reason why no one smiled on the old pictures? Wm. A. Hamilton
> had 26 known children, was known as a Ladies Man, and was just married
> to his third wife who was 16 years his junior, when the tintype was taken.
> You'd think he'd be all smiles but looks very dour, (I think that's the word).
> The new wife looks none too happy either.

I can understand *her* not looking too happy!

Seriously, I think the major reason why folks had very sober faces in *old*
pictures was that the sensitive medium (this was generally before what we call
'film') was not very sensitive. This means *long* exposure times to get an
image--that is, the 'shutter' had to stay open a long time, perhaps quite a few
seconds, possibly a minute(?)(just guessing here).

The only expression anyone can hold immobile for a relatively long period is
one in which the face is totally relaxed. This means a sober expression, since
to smile requires muscle tension. Try it.

Stan

Just
> wondering.........................?? Connie ME> wrote:
> ME>> ME>> The sordid details weren't boring, just the other stuff. ME>>
> Connie
>
> ME>hahah! It's the truth!
>
> ME>Linda
>
>

===================================================

Stanley L. Johnson Team OS/2

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