Groepsportret harmonie 'Crescendo' 1949

Vereenigde Foto-bureaux Amsterdam made this photograph, *Groepsportret harmonie 'Crescendo'*, sometime in the early to mid 20th century. Look at all those men in suits – I wonder how long it took to assemble them all in one place! What were they talking about before the picture was taken? Were they nervous? Did they rehearse their poses? Imagine being the photographer, trying to get everyone to look in the same direction and smile at the same time, while holding still for the camera. There's a sense of camaraderie, don't you think? A feeling of shared purpose and pride, maybe? The way they are positioned, some sitting, some standing, creates a dynamic composition that draws you in.