Thoughts On Vintage Snapshot Photographs

[71buc]

Thought I would share this site and book.

http://www.fantography.com

https://m.facebook.com/Fantographycom-130417801064/

There is also a book Baseball Fantography: A Celebration in Snapshots and Stories from the Fans
By Fantography LLC, Andy Strasberg

[Exhibitman]

What I like about snaps is the spontaneous nature of them. A fan was there, the player was there, and usually there was an interaction between the fan and player that led to the photo being taken; the whole record of it is right there on the paper. They are sort of low-tech selfies. Here is a 1948 Durocher; you know there was a fan calling out to Leo to stand still for a photo:



They can also have a lot more personality than posed pro shots. The Cubbies on Catalina Island for spring training, doing a seven dwarves thing through Avalon:



Billy Cox outside Ebbetts Field. How often do you see a ballplayer now just walking into the stadium with the people?



Preacher Roe:



Ernie Harwell:



Joe Louis at a train depot in WWII; the photographer must've asked The Brown Bomber for a photo op:



Young Rocky Marciano at a training camp posing for the fan:

[Snapolit1]

Damm those are all nice.

Candid moments frozen in time. Not that there is anything wrong with cards or professional photos. . . .but these are sweet.

[Exhibitman]

I thought this one was interesting too:





Doesn't appear to be anyone of note, just a nice early snap of African-American players.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I thought this one was interesting too:





Doesn't appear to be anyone of note, just a nice early snap of African-American players.

Interesting scene.

[dwr11]

I picked up a huge collection of snapshot photos a number of months ago. I am slowly learning more about them. Here are a few.

[Gary Dunaier]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

How often do you see a ballplayer now just walking into the stadium with the people?

I can only speak for Citi Field, but the height of the fence around the players' parking lot prevents fans from having a real "I got to meet a ballplayer" experience - the Mets' Eric Young, Jr. in this case, but it applies to all players.


(Photo taken September 29, 2013. © Gary Dunaier. Link to upload on Flickr.com: here.)

[GoCubsGo32]

Originally Posted by 71buc

Thought I would share this site and book.

http://www.fantography.com

https://m.facebook.com/Fantographycom-130417801064/

There is also a book Baseball Fantography: A Celebration in Snapshots and Stories from the Fans
By Fantography LLC, Andy Strasberg

Great book! It was one of my first "hobby" books. A must have for a snapshot lover!