Photography over Two Generations
At some point in the mid-50's my mom decided that she wanted to get into fashion photography. Initially that involved setting up a studio in our home, but she eventually rented a location and put her "open for business" sign out front. I might add that she was a much better photographer than business lady. Being a single mom, and working as a secretary on Elmendorf Air Force Base, she wasn't well-funded, but somehow she seemed to keep all of these activities going. Photo gear has always been pricey, and the fifties and sixties were no exception. With a smile on my face I can honestly say that from the ages of 8 to 12 I was essentially a mobile boom light...and these were hot incandescent bulbs. Not my favorite thing to do, but I oddly enjoyed the attention from her pretty models.
Jean Flynn, around 1955
Over the years her interest in fashion expanded to runway work, and of course I was her mule to carry all this gear around. I later became the photographer for a local promotion that put on a series of beauty pageants, that concluded with a large annual final with 30 or more contestants at major venues. This is similar to sports photography in my opinion, but perhaps not as stressful as weddings. Capturing the moment, particularly on film, is a talent I certainly had a head start on due to my "indentured service" to Jean in my early teens. I also got to witness her cold approaching attractive women in public, and convincing them to pose for her. There is some measure of skill involved with that. She certainly had a good eye for who was photogenic.
All of these shots were on positive slides, and I believe that I did most of the scanning myself. Not my A game skill, but I hope they are entertaining, none-the- less.
With regards, Jean Flynn's son Jimmy