FAQ: A. Aubrey Bodine's Pennsylvania Farm Museum Photograph and His Photographic Legacy

What is the main subject of A. Aubrey Bodine’s Pennsylvania Farm Museum photograph?

The photograph shows Elmer Lapp demonstrating how to drive a Conestoga wagon from astride the wheel horse using a single rein called a ‘jerk line’ with a team of Belgian horses.

How did Conestoga wagon drivers differ from prairie schooner drivers?

Unlike prairie schooner drivers who rode inside their wagons, Conestoga wagoners rode the wheelhorse (the rearmost horse on the left) to control the team.

Who was A. Aubrey Bodine and why is he significant in photography?

A. Aubrey Bodine (1906-1970) was regarded as one of the finest pictorialists of the twentieth century, winning numerous awards and having his work exhibited in prestigious shows and museums worldwide.

How can I order a print of this specific photograph?

You can order this image by typing the 5-digit ID# 48-258 in the box below Bodine’s portrait on the Home Page at www.aaubreybodine.com.

What made Bodine’s photographic approach unique?

Bodine treated photography as a creative discipline, using darkroom techniques like dyeing, intensifiers, pencil marking, scraping, and adding clouds photographically to compose artistic images rather than simply taking pictures.

Where can I view more of Bodine’s photographic work?

More than 6,000 photographs spanning Bodine’s 47-year career are available for viewing and can be ordered as reprints and note cards at www.aaubreybodine.com.

How can I get additional information about A. Aubrey Bodine or his photographs?

You can write to [email protected] or call 1-800-556-7226 for additional information.

What was Bodine’s background and how did he start his photographic career?

Bodine’s career began in 1923 covering stories for the Baltimore Sunday Sun, and he studied art principles at the Maryland Institute College of Art, believing photography could be a creative discipline.