The length of exposure depends entirely upon the nature of the goods displayed, darker goods requiring a longer exposure. An oriental rug display I give thirty minutes, and a white window does not really require more than fifteen minutes. Passing street cars, all having their lights in about the same place, will cause a streak in the plate if the lens is not covered while they go by. This can be easily done, without danger of moving the camera, by simply holding the cover of your plate holder before the lens. The same thing may be done when a person stops before the window. You must make allowances for the time the plate is thus covered, so that your total exposure will be from fifteen to thirty minutes, as your judgment dictates is the time required.
I have found this method of photographing at night, by the electric light of the window itself, by far the most satisfactory of any I have attempted, as the results are uniformly good.
CHAPTER XIX.
WORDS OF ADVICE.
CARE OF WAX FIGURES.
Now I wish to say just a few words regarding the care of wax figures. I think there is nothing that looks so bad, or ruins the effect of the window so much, as to see handsomely dressed wax figures with faded, dirty or shiny faces; and too often we do see this. With a very little practice and time a trimmer can recolor his figures as well as an expert can do it for him. First take coal oil and a piece of cheesecloth and wash the face; but do not allow the oil to remain on the face more than a few moments, as it will soften the wax. When wiped dry and cleaned, take powdered pumice, mixed with a very little carmine; mix until all the red streaks have been thoroughly worked in. This will give you a very light pink shade. Then get a large sable brush, dip it in the preparation and commence at the point of the cheek, using a circular motion of the brush, and so continue until the face has been covered. Give the cheeks more time than the rest of the face. It will give them more color. For the lips, corners of the eyes and nostrils, mix the carmine and pumice half and half, and use a very small sable brush. With a little care and practice any trimmer can recolor his figures with slight trouble.
JANUARY SALES.
During the month of January certain lines of goods are pushed to the front and “sales” inaugurated to induce customers to purchase liberally. The holidays being over, and the demand for fancy goods and notions comparatively small, staples and necessary articles are alone capable of interesting the public.
White goods, linens, cottons and muslin underwear are in natural demand during the month of January. Perhaps, were the choice left to the housewife, she might prefer to purchase these lines a little later in the season. But when she notes the “special sales” inaugurated by all prominent houses, she wisely decides to take advantage of the opportunity and lay in a stock of goods for the coming months.
Linen sales are always expected in January, and when the holiday windows come out the linen windows usually go in. In smaller towns the sales do not commence until about January 15, and are continued for two or three weeks.