1911 Vintage Portrait: Friendship of Avery & Beatty

This glass negative depicts W. L. Avery and D. W. Beatty, and it was captured on August 4, 1911, by the Bain News Service, a prominent organization in early 20th-century photojournalism. During this period, glass negatives were a common method for producing photographs, offering higher detail and clarity compared to earlier processes. The ability to print from glass plates allowed photographers like Bain to document events and portraits with remarkable fidelity, which were then widely distributed.

W. L. Avery and D. W. Beatty were both prominent figures of their time, though specific information about their identities can vary. This image not only highlights the individuals but also showcases the technological advancements in photography that were evolving in the early 1900s. The use of glass negatives represented an important phase in the history of photography, bridging the gap between earlier photographic methods and the more modern techniques that would follow.

As viewers, we can appreciate how these early images provide a glimpse into the past, capturing not just the subjects but also the era’s methods and aesthetics. This photograph stands as a testament to the evolving art of photography and the individuals who were part of its history.