Shared Photo: Frank Clouse "selfie" ca. 1899

Question

Photo was emailed to me from Roderick Robertson: "I'm fairly sure this is Frank Clouse taking a photo of himself. It is from a 4"X6" glass plate. And he may be using a Conley Camera. Frank and the Conley brothers (Kerry & Frederick) were all from Spring Valley MN along with Richard Sears the founder of Sears Roebuck. The Conleys' invented a shutter for a camera. The cameras were offered in the Sears Catalog."

I wanted to share this family photo of Frank Clouse with the community. Location: Spring Valley, Minnesota, USA. Date: 1899.

Click here for the image details page or here for the full-sized version (540 x 720).

I am hoping that any related family that may be interested in learning more or helping confirm Roderick's research would reach out and I can connect them with Roderick.

Answer 1

Kool .. Clearly demonstrates the depth effect of the mirror and its impact on depth of field and focus of the reflected image. Love the bevel framing, gives the illusion of looking through the mirror at the subject.

C'est Bon Magnifique

Answer 2

What a great photo of the man taken his own photo it is really great

Thank you for sharing

Answer 3

Wow! Long before selfies were selfies. This is great, Ron, thanks for sharing it.