Elfie Huntington

Elfie Caroline Huntington (December 27, 1868 – July 24, 1949) was an American photographer from Springville, Utah. She was deaf as a result of childhood scarlet fever, and became involved in photography at age 24 as an apprentice to George Edward Anderson. She started a successful photography studio in Springville with fellow apprentice Joseph Daniel Bagley; they also traveled around Utah taking photographs. Huntington was known for taking pictures of everyday occurrences as well as dark, humorous photos.

Early life Elfie Caroline Huntington was born in 1868 in Springville, Utah Territory to William Clark Huntington and Emma Elizabeth Boyer. When she was four years old, she lost her hearing due to complications from scarlet fever. She was raised by her grandmother, and after her grandmother's death lived with her aunt and uncle. She learned retouching negatives, darkroom techniques, and general photography skills. Huntington and Bagley also traveled around Utah to take portraits and set up galleries, Her photos were also more inclusive than the work of other photographers, as her works included a photo of a man with prosthetic legs and one of herself cross-dressing, and she critiqued men's views of women in her work.

Collections Huntington's work is held in the permanent collections of the Huntington Bagley Collection the Springville Museum of Art, the Mapleton, Utah Historical Photographs collection, and the Domestic Life Photograph Collection of the Utah State Historical Society among others.

Personal life At age 68, Huntington married Bagley (then a widower) in May 1936 in a simple ceremony at their studio. Bagley died six weeks after their marriage. She lived in Springville, Utah for her entire life

In addition to being known for her photography, Huntington was reportedly a skilled dress-maker.

Selected works