2017-Photographers-Studio

2017 Photographers Studio

THROUGH THE LENS: THE STORIES OF EARLY MILFORD PHOTOGRAPHERS

Here is a chance to learn about the many people who captured Milford people and places with their cameras as early as 1855. Current research shows that William H. Todd may have been Milford’s first photographer. He took out a newspaper add announcing that he would be in Milford to take daguerreotypes (pictures on metal plates) and “Those desiring pictures may rely upon having them taken in the most perfect style of the art.” In 1852, Theressa Sanger opened a studio in town. This was a unusual profession for a woman at this time. Hard cardboard images can be found with the studio name printed at the bottom or back. Names like Daniel and Russell Holmes, William Daugherty, and Charles Lefferts were popular local photographers. Andrew Komorowski was a Polish immigrant who moved to Milford in 1920. Although not a professional photographer, Mr. Komorowski had a unique style of setting up a camera and quickly positioning himself to be included in the photo. He took Milford’s first selfie!