The “Long” View – A Historical Retrospective

The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library has extended its photo exhibition (The Long View) of legendary retired Blade newspaper photographer Herral Long through August 28, 2009, in the second floor Gallery at Main Library, 325 Michigan St.

Born during The Great Depression, Long was first introduced to photography as a child when a businessman offered him a camera to sell magazine subscriptions. That first introduction turned into an unconditional love affair with photography, from shooting prom and wedding photos while still in high school to buying a 4x5 Speed Graphic camera to convince the Blade to hire him. In 1949, he would get his foot in the daily newspaper’s door and operate its International News Pictures wire photo machine.

Long would leave work for two years to serve in the Army, and upon his return, a desired position welcomed him – a chance to work the streets to capture the most amazing images. Long would win numerous awards for his work, and transition technological advances in photography from his trusted 4x5, to 35mm film, to today’s digital.

His first major assignment was the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy in Washington, D.C. Herral would photograph numerous icons from Eleanor Roosevelt to Louis Armstrong, but his most memorable work will always be the sensitivity and passion he instilled in shooting the mundane and making it special.

His career has inspired a book titled The Long View: 50 Years as a Photojournalist written by Sally Vallongo. Limited copies of this book are available for checkout at Main Library in the Humanities and Local History departments.

The book and prints of Long’s photography are also being sold at Classics Gift Shop located on the garage-entrance level of Main Library. For more information, call Classics at 419.259.5358.