It's the Eye, Not the Tool

"I have read your books, Jack, and I think they are important works of art. You must have a wonderful typewriter."

When Jack London had his portrait made by the noted San Francisco photographer Arnold Genthe, London began the encounter with effusive praise for the photographic art of his friend and fellow bohemian, Genthe. "you must have a wonderful camera…It must be the best camera in the world…You must show me your camera." 

Genthe then used his standard studio camera to make what has since become a classic picture of Jack London. When the sitting was finished, Genthe could not contain himself: "I have read your books, Jack, and I think they are important works of art. You must have a wonderful typewriter."