Lack of contour on Billy’s tintype

[Peanut butter]

I ain’t no photographer and neither do I know how the cameras during Billy’s day worked, but I have noticed a lack of clarity and contour on his face which makes it harder to compare him to people in other photos because of them don’t have that issue if you look at other Wild West photos. In other words, we can’t fathom what his face structure is, except his long chin and big ears. Did he have protruding eyebrow bone? It is hard to tell or near impossible.

I get the impression the tintype was taken with one giant flash of light eliminating all shadow. Taking your flash off camera will help to create more natural highlights and shadows. If you’re taking portraits, and use on camera flash or place the light directly in front of your subject, the contours and angles of the face will appear flat because there aren’t any shadows to define the shape.

That is the main problem in my opinion with Billy’s tintype and the fact that is is so hard to compare him to anyone else. In my opinion, how he looks will shock everyone because he was considered to be relatively handsome and nothing like his tintype.

Have a look at this website with purported photos of Billy and his brother and see what you think because this does look convincing:

jessejamesphotoalbum.com/josey-mccarty/

[tboor74]

The Jesse James page is drivel, photos of loads of different people all claiming to be the same person.....loads of different people all said to be BTK, loads of different people said to be Jesse James. They don't even look laike!

[texas truth teller]

Jul 11, 2022 5:51:59 GMT -5 Peanut butter said:

I ain’t no photographer and neither do I know how the cameras during Billy’s day worked, but I have noticed a lack of clarity and contour on his face which makes it harder to compare him to people in other photos because of them don’t have that issue if you look at other Wild West photos. In other words, we can’t fathom what his face structure is, except his long chin and big ears. Did he have protruding eyebrow bone? It is hard to tell or near impossible.

I get the impression the tintype was taken with one giant flash of light eliminating all shadow. Taking your flash off camera will help to create more natural highlights and shadows. If you’re taking portraits, and use on camera flash or place the light directly in front of your subject, the contours and angles of the face will appear flat because there aren’t any shadows to define the shape.

That is the main problem in my opinion with Billy’s tintype and the fact that is is so hard to compare him to anyone else. In my opinion, how he looks will shock everyone because he was considered to be relatively handsome and nothing like his tintype.

Have a look at this website with purported photos of Billy and his brother and see what you think because this does look convincing:

jessejamesphotoalbum.com/josey-mccarty/

Nice collection of photographs.  Only photo missing is an autographed picture of Jesus Christ.

[leeb]

I think you'll find that goes with every single so called picture of the Kid. There's been loads that the brushy's have championed. Perhaps they only suit sometimes.

[DanJohno]

Typical condescending comments by the board hierarchy when someone new tries to get involved.
Someone with knowledge of cameras and photography wants to join but let's just make them not feel welcome so they leave and never come back like about 99% of the registered names in this board.
Yes some of the photos definitely aren't who they supposedly are.
But there's some great very convincing photos that never get talked about in this forum and any photo that does get mentioned just gets ignored or laughed at.
I'd love to know what are Leebs and TTT's favourite alleged Billy the Kid photos but they will never tell us because they would rather squabble on about census records and the "greatest" book that was ever written a.k.a The Saga of Billy the Kid.
I've tried to hold back with posting comments but new people aren't exactly welcomed with open arms here.
P.s
I miss Wayne's involvement with this message board and hope all is well.

[Wayne Land]

I respect your sentiments DanJohno but I have never gotten the impression you seem to have. There have been a few members that have belittled the opinions of others but I have always tried to discourage that. When it comes to that site posting all those alleged photos of Jesse James, Billy The Kid, etc. I say if the shoe fits wear it. The vast majority of those photos are so obviously "not" the person they're labeled to be that I almost decided to delete the above post that shares a link to that site. I hope you'll understand that I will not reprimand a member for stating truths that are so obviously correct.

Oh, and BTW, while I do not post everyday or join in every discussion, I do read all the new posts everyday. And I do not believe that the hundreds of people who have joined the board yet never participate has anything to do with them being driven away. In fact most ot them joined and then never posted a single time while we do have dozens of members who participate on a somewhat regular basis.

[DanJohno]

Jul 11, 2022 21:29:17 GMT -5 Wayne Land said:

I respect your sentiments DanJohno but I have never gotten the impression you seem to have. There have been a few members that have belittled the opinions of others but I have always tried to discourage that. When it comes to that site posting all those alleged photos of Jesse James, Billy The Kid, etc. I say if the shoe fits wear it. The vast majority of those photos are so obviously "not" the person they're labeled to be that I almost decided to delete the above post that shares a link to that site. I hope you'll understand that I will not reprimand a member for stating truths that are so obviously correct.

Oh, and BTW, while I do not post everyday or join in every discussion, I do read all the new posts everyday. And I do not believe that the hundreds of people who have joined the board yet never participate has anything to do with them being driven away. In fact most ot them joined and then never posted a single time while we do have dozens of members who participate on a somewhat regular basis.

Thank you Wayne,I'm sorry if I cross the line with some of my comments.
I am truly interested in the discussion because I'm here for enjoyment and I like being involved.
Sometimes it just seems like members need to prove ideas rather than just discussing ideas.
I appreciate you having me here and I'm glad you are still involved.

[Wayne Land]

Thanks. I think it is just human nature to want to prove one's opinion. As long as it is respectful and courteous I see no problem with that. In fact, without it, the board would certainly die.

[Ernst]

Though I disagree with almost everyone about everything all of the time I certainly agree with you there Wayne!!
Grumpy Ernst
;-)