These were at one time quite popular, and if properly managed can be
rendered very effective. There are several methods of making this kind
of picture. If the photographer possesses a pedestal large enough, all
that is necessary is to place this on a stand and the person to be
photographed is arranged behind.
[Illustration: FIG. 12.]
The breast is uncovered and some white soft material artistically
arranged in folds over the shoulders and in such a way as to appear
connected with the pedestal. A black background is placed behind and
the exposure made. To give a more realistic effect the hair, face, and
all other parts showing should be liberally powdered over with a white
powder or rice flour. The negative produced will have a clear glass
background, but the body of the figure will still be visible. This is
removed by cutting away the film round the pedestal and to the arms on
each side, leaving only those parts remaining that are required to
produce the statuette. In printing we get a white statuette portrait
on a dark background.
If the photographer does not possess a pedestal, the next best means
to produce these pictures is to get a large sheet of cardboard and cut
it out to the shape shown in the figure beneath, and with white paint
make the picture of a pedestal, shading with a little gray to give
rotundity. The figure is stationed behind it, and a black background
used.
A third method involves still less trouble. This is to purchase a
ready made pedestal negative. These are film negatives of a pedestal
that can be adjusted to the negative of the subject desired to be
produced as a statue. After the negative is taken and varnished the
film is scraped off round the figure, cutting off the body as shown in
the first illustration, after which the pedestal negative is adjusted,
fastened, and then printed. The negative is reversible and can also be
used for different subjects. The picture shown in Fig. 13 was made by
Mr. G. B. Bradshaw, of Beach House, Altrincham, England, by means of
one of his pedestal negatives.
[Illustration: By G. B. Bradshaw. FIG. 13.--STATUETTE PORTRAIT.]