American Indian Culture and Research Journal

Photography has been in existence for approximately 130 years on the southern Northwest Coast. During this time, thousands of images of Native Americans have been produced, many of which are preserved in regional archives. These photographs were made by both professionals and amateurs who approached their subjects with a variety of motivations. The question of how the subjects responded to having their pictures taken is an important one that this author has explored in a previous paper. In brief summary, responses varied considerably according to circumstances. One early twentieth-century historian traveling along the Washington coast described positive reactions by an individual of high rank posing for his camera. The historian concluded that the subject felt his social position could be enhanced by a permanent likeness, especially if it included an object symbolizing his status. Other written sources describe reluctance and even aversion to being in front of the camera, especially among members of earlier generation. According to one contemporary source, many ”old timers” still feel ”nervous” about being photographed.