Some wonderful (paraphrased) quotes from the essay ‘The Camera Fiend‘ by Bill Jay on the early adoption of the camera, and in particular the rise of the amateur photographer.

‘Our moral character dwindles as our instruments get smaller’ 1910

‘There is but one remedy for the amateur photographer. Put a brick through his camera whenever you suspect he has taken you unawares’ 1885

‘All vagrants and photographers entering the village will be prosecuted with the utmost rigour of the law’

‘Many hotels refused to give lodging to portraitists with a messy wet plate operator who spilled chemicals over clothes and carpets’