01 February 2024

The History of Photography

Links to Various Online History of Photography Resources and Information

The History of Photography

The History of Photography:  Free PDF Downloads and Links 
Taken literally, the Greek words photos and graphos together mean “light drawing”. Even today the term photography is being manipulated to fit digital imaging, but in its most elegant form, a photograph may best be described as a reasonably stable image made by the effect of light on a chemical substance. Light is energy in the form of the visible spectrum. If light or some other invisible wavelength of energy is not used to make the final picture by chemical means, it cannot, by this definition, be a photograph. (Source: History and Evolution of Photography)

The History of Photography
"The history of photography is a fascinating journey that spans centuries of innovation, technological advancements, and artistic evolution. Here's a brief overview of its significant milestones:

Early Developments:
  • Camera Obscura: The concept of capturing images dates back to ancient times, but the camera obscura, a darkened room with a small hole or lens through which an inverted image is projected, was one of the earliest precursors to photography. It was used by artists as a drawing aid.

19th Century - Birth of Photography:
  • Joseph Nicéphore Niépce (1826): He produced the first known photograph using a camera obscura and a light-sensitive material, a heliograph called "View from the Window at Le Gras."
  • Louis Daguerre (1839): Daguerre refined the process, introducing the daguerreotype, an early photographic process that involved exposing silver-coated copper plates to iodine vapor and developing the images with mercury vapor.
  • William Henry Fox Talbot (1839): Talbot developed the calotype process, using paper coated with silver iodide to produce a negative image from which multiple positive prints could be made, laying the groundwork for modern photography.

20th Century - Technological Advancements:
  • Gelatin Silver Process: This became the dominant photographic process, providing higher quality and more easily reproducible images.
  • Color Photography: Early color processes emerged, such as autochrome plates and later, Kodachrome and other color slide films.
  • 35mm Roll Film and Leica Camera: Oskar Barnack's introduction of the 35mm film and the Leica camera revolutionized photography, making it more portable and accessible.
  • Digital Photography: The late 20th century saw the emergence of digital photography, which has since transformed the entire industry, with digital cameras becoming widespread and ultimately replacing film in many contexts.

Contemporary Photography:
  • Smartphone Photography: The integration of high-quality cameras in smartphones has significantly impacted how photographs are taken, shared, and consumed.
  • Digital Manipulation and Editing: Software like Adobe Photoshop has changed the way photographs are edited and manipulated, offering unprecedented creative possibilities.
  • Online Platforms and Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Flickr, and others have revolutionized the sharing and consumption of images, leading to a more widespread appreciation for photography.

Photography has evolved from a scientific curiosity to an accessible and widespread form of artistic expression and documentation. Its journey continues, influenced by technology, art, and the ever-changing cultural landscape." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

A History of Photography
From the beginnings until the 1920's
Author: Dr Robert Leggat
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Making Sense of Document Photography
Author: James Curtis
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History and Evolution of Photography
Authors: Mark Osterman / Grant B. Romer
George Eastman House International Museum
of Photography and Film
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Portrait Photography
From the Victorians to the present day
Author: National Portrait Gallery
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Photography
A new art or yet another scientific achievement
Author: Alex Sirota
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History of The Camera / Photography Links

Brief History of Photography and Photojournalism
North Dakota State University
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Canon Camera Story
History of Canon Cameras
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History of the Camera
Wikipedia
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History of Photography Timeline
Photo.net
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History of Photography Part 1: The Beginning
Photography Tutsplus
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History of Photography and the Camera
Inventors About
View >>


History of Photography Podcasts
Photo History Jeff Curto
View >>

History of Canon Cameras
History of Canon Cameras >>



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Images Source: Pixabay (Open Source)

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