Description
Print of black and white photograph taken underwater of a woman staring at the camera as she swims underwater. The photographer constructed a waterproof case for the camera with a remote trigger, and than lowered it into the water.
Photograph by John McNeil.
John Maitland McNeill was born in Sturgeon Falls in 1927. He showed his artistic talent early when he created a comic strip based on the radio show “The Shadow”.
This success led to a career in photography as he began taking pictures of people in action to help with his drawing. In 1953, McNeill married Alene Margaret Savage, followed by the birth of their daughter soon after.
McNeill established a photography business in Sturgeon Falls, where he worked until The Nugget hired him as a staff photographer in 1950. He quickly became known for his versatility and innovation, experimenting with underwater and flash-less photography. As a result of his influence, the Nugget became the first newspaper in Canada to convert to 35mm photography. In 1963,McNeill was hired by the Globe and Mail and went on to serve nearly 30 years as one of their prize-winning photographers. His subject matter came to include Toronto, Canada, and the world while continuing his artistic interest in non-photography pursuits including watercolour painting.Creator
John McNeill
