The date associated with the Salley (sic) images is Sunday, July 14, 1957. There’s a construction subject also with a second date of July 19, 1957.
Salley and her mother must have been family friends or close neighbors. Joel would photograph Salley later in life also on other occasions.
These photographs were most likely taken during a social visit. Yes, Salley poses in some while Joel is using flash lights. In others, the photographs appear to be taken in natural light during a meal.
Remarkable is that this is the first negative box I found where every single negative has two contact prints of the Salley images. But none for the construction images.
In no particular order, here is Salley and her mother.
Probably not on their mind that moment, was the 14 July Revolution in Iraq, the monarchy is overthrown by popular forces led by Abd al-Karim Qasim, who becomes the nation’s new leader. I digress, but I do like to think about what happened internationally when we are watching unencumbered images like these happy portraits.
Joel poses and photographs Salley in their nicely manicured backyard. Showing all images as it may trigger someone’s memory !
The rest of the Salley images are all natural light, no use of flash needed to overpower or equal the sunlight as Salley seems to be set in what photographers call “open shade”. It’s easy on the eyes of the sittern and it yields good contrast in the images are there are no light/dark extremes.
Photographing subjects while eating or talking doesn’t always generate the most flattering images, but Joel will always trying things at least once. He learns by experimenting and taking note on how it turns out.
In spite of photographing during a dessert or cake moment, the last two images are wonderful in atmosphere. Salley is playing here with Joel. From the ring on her finger, one might assume that Salley is engaged.
If someone recognizes Salley, or knows what the connection is to Joel or his mother Clara, please let me know. I’m curious !
Cheers !
Finding Joel Pahl Dardis 