Photo Era. September 1899. Volume III, No. 4. Including "Who Invented Photography?"

Entire issue of magazine, about 40 pages. W.H. Partridge photo of blacksmith with tissue guard, inserted as supplement frontispiece. Other photographic illustrations by William Lyman Underwood, Walter Sprange, H.A. Latimer, Mrs. Addie K. Robinson, et al. Articles on yachting photography, the prize system, white kittens, lighting and posing (Thomas Gainsborough), photography news, and "Who Invented Photography?" with the text, translated into English, of the 1829 contract between Daguerre and Niepce. Numerous fascinating ads. Cover chipped at edges. Damp stain on top right edges of cover and most pages. Good. Scarce.  Summary:

Volume III, No. 4 (September 1899) of Photo Era is a roughly 40-page issue of the early American magazine dedicated to amateur and pictorial photography. This turn-of-the-century installment captures the era's transition toward photography as a fine art, blending historical research, niche instructional articles, and technical updates.

Key Editorial & Historical Features

• "Who Invented Photography?": A major historical anchor of the issue that features the English translation of the landmark 1829 partnership contract between Louis Daguerre and Nicéphore Niépce, offering readers a primary-source look at the medium's origins.

• Composition & Style (Thomas Gainsborough): An aesthetic essay exploring lighting and posing techniques inspired by the classical portraiture methods of the renowned 18th-century English painter.

• Yachting Photography: A specialized seasonal feature providing advice and technical guidance on capturing moving boats, managing harsh water reflections, and mastering marine photography.

• The Prize System: An editorial discussion analyzing photography competitions, focusing on how award structures shape contemporary artistic standards.

Photographic Illustrations & Portfolios

• Frontispiece: Features a striking photograph of a blacksmith by W.H. Partridge.

• Featured Pictorialists: The issue is heavily illustrated with plates showcasing diverse subject matter—ranging from landscape and studio work to a playful feature on white kittens.