A. Aubrey Bodine's Legacy Captured in My Lady’s Manor Horse Show Photograph

The photograph 'My Lady’s Manor Horse Show (1928)' by A. Aubrey Bodine stands as a testament to the artist's mastery in pictorial photography, capturing a moment in equestrian history with artistic precision and creativity. Bodine, recognized globally as one of the twentieth century's finest pictorialists, began his photographic journey in 1923, contributing to the Baltimore Sunday Sun with images that transcended typical newspaper standards through their artistic design and lighting.

Bodine's approach to photography was revolutionary; he viewed the camera and darkroom tools as instruments akin to a painter's brush, enabling him to 'make' rather than 'take' pictures. His techniques, including the manipulation of negatives with dyes, pencil markings, and even scraping, were all in service of achieving the desired mood and composition. This methodology underscores the photograph of the My Lady’s Manor Horse Show not just as a documentary image but as a piece of art, reflecting Bodine's belief in photography's potential as a creative discipline.

The availability of over 6,000 photographs from Bodine's 47-year career on www.aaubreybodine.com offers a unique opportunity for the public to explore his legacy. These images, including the iconic My Lady’s Manor Horse Show, can be ordered as reprints and note cards, allowing Bodine's work to continue inspiring future generations. The website also hosts the full text of 'A Legend In His Time,' a biography by Harold A. Williams, providing deeper insight into Bodine's life and contributions to photography.

This photograph and Bodine's broader oeuvre are significant not only for their artistic merit but also for their documentary value, offering a window into the past through the lens of one of photography's most innovative practitioners. The preservation and accessibility of Bodine's work ensure that his vision and techniques remain a source of study and admiration, highlighting the enduring impact of his contributions to the art of photography.