Framed or unframed, desk size to sofa size, printed by us in Arizona and Alabama since 2007. Explore now.
Shorpy is funded by you. Patreon contributors get an ad-free experience.
Learn more.
Washington, D.C., 1923. "A.W. Leonard." National Photo Company lensman "Artie" Leonard chasing a shot. View full size.
Looking at the thumbnail, I thought he was seeking signal with his laptop...
Would like to see what he was shooting!
I don't see anything that looks like a lineman's safety belt. Without that he has to be holding on to the pole and the camera at the same time. At least the pole is equipped with foot spikes.
I bet climbing up and down even with the pole's foot spikes would have been an adventure while carrying the camera. Manipulating the film holder and dark slides would have been interesting to watch.
Looks like an early 5x7 Speed Graphic. Those are fairly rare these days and still fetch good money, several hundred $ at least. Far less common than the typical 4x5 Speed Graphic.
First attempt at using a monopod? How do you fold it up?
This photographer really went to extremes to get a "money shot". Is there any clue as to what he was photographing?
Don't try this at home.
The use of box cameras can be extremely dangerous.
I see he is equipped with all the safety gear of the day-none!
I cant help but wonder what his lens subject might be? Perhaps a lineman on another pole in some publicity shoot for a power company, or Ma Bell?
Or maybe he is just getting as close to eye level of a new wall sign or something?
Dave, might there be another pic in a series to go along with this one that might tell us more about what he is aiming at, or is it a solo shot of Artie?
On Shorpy:
Today’s Top 5