Thomas Cronise Photographs

His greatest gift was his ability to capture and hold the fleeting expressions that subtly flow across the faces in waves of whimsy, concentration, or even melancholy. His work exhibits stylistic progressions, particularly in posing of groups, in firelight scenes, and the use of backgrounds and props.

His friendly nature allowed him to establish rapport with his subjects, enabling them to pose in a self-assured manner. Poses reveal a visual sense of humor as well as a dramatic flair. His sensitive portrayal of women was noteworthy as was his ability to capture the spontaneity of expression in children in an age of slow exposures.

Because of this relationship with his subjects, his work merits recognition as that of a superb photographic craftsman.

The Collection
The photographs are remarkable not only for style and technical expertise, but the elusive quality that forces the viewer to examine the details of images i.e., a wrinkle, clothing detail, favorite objects which communicate the true character of the person. It is the Art of Photography perfected.
Over 30,000 glass and film negatives, prints, studio registers, photographic literature and equipment were donated to the Oregon Historical Society in October, 1974 by Harry Wilmot Cronise, the final proprietor of the Cronise Studio located 197 North Commercial Street in Salem.
The Salem Cronise family of photographers (Tom, his wife, Nellie, and their son, Harry) was responsible for saving this collection which spans nearly a century of portrait and scenic photography of Salem.
The studio’s entire collection of negatives, dating back to 1880, was acquired by Tom Cronise when he purchased the business in 1902. The business’s first owner, William P. Johnson, photographed the major events that took place in Salem, in addition to operating the portrait studio.

Bibliography:
Oregon Historical Society, Thomas Cronise - The Art Perfected, December, 1980, Salem Public Library