1930s
Arlie Carson Sr in Straw Boater with striped Tie (1 of 2)
With the development of 35 millimeter film and hand-held reflex cameras, photography moved from the confines of the photographer's studio to the street and beyond.
This photo of Arlie Aaron Carson Sr. sometime in the 1930s is an example of "man-on-the-street" photography. Typically located on a "Main Street" where abundant foot traffic was guaranteed, the photographer (or one of his assistants) would snap candid photos of pedestrians as they walked by.
The point was to offer them a print of the developed photo and, of course, bring them in to the studio for a more formal—and carefully staged—photo session. An opportunity for an upsell.
It didn't always work out that way. The matching photo of Arlie in the studio but looking distractedly to his right just as the photographer captured the moment proves the point.
Other candid, person-on-the-street photos (all from Fort Smith) are in this combined online collection featuring Arlie's wife Attie Ray and Arlie's son Alfred Boatman. Look for them.
