A photograph by renowned pictorialist A. Aubrey Bodine, titled "The Winter Sports Move South (1937)," captures a pivotal moment in American winter tourism: the emergence of Deer Valley, Pennsylvania, as a viable destination for weekend ski trips. The image, which is part of Bodine's extensive catalog, shows snow-covered landscapes deemed sufficient to rival New England's winter conditions. This historic photograph is available for viewing and purchase through the official Bodine website at www.aaubreybodine.com.
Bodine, who worked as a photographer for the Baltimore Sunday Sun from 1923 until his death in 1970, was celebrated globally for his pictorialist approach. His work appeared in hundreds of exhibitions and museums, earning top honors in competitions. The photograph of Deer Valley exemplifies his documentary style, capturing not only the landscape but also the burgeoning trend of winter sports in regions south of traditional New England hotspots.
The image ID for "The Winter Sports Move South (1937)" is 48-478, and it can be ordered by entering that number in the designated box on the home page of Bodine's website. Bodine's career spanned 47 years, during which he produced over 6,000 photographs that are now archived online. These images are available as reprints and note cards through the same site.
Bodine's artistic process involved meticulous craftsmanship, often manipulating negatives with dyes, intensifiers, and even scraping to achieve desired effects. He believed in "making" a picture rather than merely taking one, a philosophy that elevated his work beyond standard newspaper photography. His studies at the Maryland Institute College of Art further informed his creative discipline.
The photograph's subject, Deer Valley, Pennsylvania, underscores a historical shift in winter sports accessibility. As snow conditions in the Mid-Atlantic proved adequate for skiing, destinations like Deer Valley became popular for weekending trips from cities like Baltimore and Washington, D.C. This trend presaged the growth of ski resorts in the region.
For more on Bodine's life and work, a full biography written by his editor and friend Harold A. Williams is available on the website. The biography, titled "A Legend In His Time," provides deeper insight into Bodine's contributions to photography. Additional information can be obtained by contacting info@AAubreyBodine.com or calling 1-800-556-7226.
This photograph serves as a historical document of winter sports migration southward, reflecting both cultural and economic shifts in American leisure. Bodine's artistry immortalizes a moment when Deer Valley became a symbol of winter recreation beyond New England.
