Mystery Underwater Photographer
Hey everyone! I need community help. I am an amateur underwater photographer and collector of related ephemera. I recently acquired photo slides at an auction and am trying to identify the photographer. Original auction listing is here.
This set of 35 mm slides was originally attributed to the legendary underwater photographer Bruce Mozert, based on the subject matter and style as well as the auction house's best guess. However, I consulted with three experts, including the State Archives of Florida, who hold Mozert's official collection, as well as his personal assistant, Evelyn, and biographer, Gary Monroe. All three decided these were not his work. The style, slide types, and content were unlike any material of his they have ever encountered. I thought these may have been connected to his sister Zoë Mozert's career as a pin up artist and model, but nobody can confirm that either way.
Obviously, this opens up a mystery! In Florida, vintage pin up style underwater photography either occurred at Silver Springs (their official photographer was Mozert) or Weeki Wachee (photographers included H.P. Bezant, Ted Lagerberg, Sparky Schumacher, Lori Frissell, and Newt Perry). I consulted with a Weeki Wachee vintage photography expert, Lu Vickers, who also did not recognize the style or content. Of the Weeki Wachee group, she suggested they may are closest to Lori Frissell's style.
So here's where you come in.
- Who took these images?
- Where could they have been taken?
I go back and forth about whether these photos are in a natural environment that is set up for performing (see rig in the water, sandy floor, textured background) or perhaps within a super large water tank of some kind. They could be taken for a vintage exploitation film ala "Mermaids of Tiburon" (1962), could be studies for art, who knows.
The last puzzle piece is one above ground image, a portrait of a woman sleeping.
As far as dating them goes, sprocket holes are rectangular with rounded edges (removed the cardboard jacket on one to look for additional details about the camera or film, but no markings or brand names available).
If you can think of other communities or research centers that could be helpful in identifying them, please let me know! I may reach out to Friends of Silver Springs and Friends of Weeki Wachee groups to see if anyone recognizes the women pictured, and am waiting to hear back from the auction house on whether the consignor can provide additional info about their origin. It is also possible to send the slides to a professional conservator for better digital images.