Takeaways:

1. Black-and-white images lost their appeal for the globetrotters. Because of this, the limited number of places globetrotters visited, and the stiff competition between photographers, the photographers advertised their products in guidebooks, emphasizing the quality of their colorwork.

“The tone of these later ads reflects a high level of competition. All three firms invited close inspection of their wares, made claims to their quality, particularly as to coloring. Albums and large inventories were claimed (up to 2000 images).”

2.  The albums for the globetrotters were filled with hand-picked images that reflected their type of travel. They visited for short periods, staying in Western-style hotels and not mixing with the locals. Because of the pre-packaged nature of their trips, their albums had similar feels. However, the photographs they chose did depend somewhat on their gender, career, class, and interests.

“The nature of globetrotter travel—short stays with limited exposure to indigenous culture—required that excursions from the treaty ports be convenient, above all else. Globetrotters preferred the security and Western-style amenities of the treaty ports. Excursions by rail were acceptable, and travel by jinrikisha and palanquin (kago, below) was part of the Japan experience globetrotters sought, but few would commit to these modes of travel if they extended over several days.”

“We can read these albums as symptomatic of the travel industry in general. Globetrotter tours and the guidebooks that served them tended to pre-package Japan in ways that made travelers’ experiences predictable and therefore profitable.

As a result, globetrotter photo albums exhibit shared sensibilities. But because the photographs in any one album were self-selected and arranged by individual customers, globetrotter albums also reveal personal narratives of their owners’ travel and experiences in Japan. These narratives vary according to the class, occupation, gender, and general interests of the individual globetrotters who compiled albums.”

This is a photograph of Kiyomidzu-dera Temple which sits on a hill overlooking Kyoto. Globetrotters who visited Kyoto would want to purchase this picture for several reasons. They might have appreciated how different the architecture was from what they were used to. It has a very Asian feel. It also is unique because of the way it is built into the side of a mountain. If they visited this temple, they would have seen the incredible view it gives of Kyoto. They would want to remember that when they went home so this picture would be a perfect souvenir. Another reason they might chose to buy this photograph is because it is in color, and pictures with color were more popular.