History of Photography Overview (Capturing Time)

Photography has come a long way since its inception, forever changing the way we capture and share moments in time.

The history of photography can be traced back to the early 19th century, with Frenchman Nicéphore Niépce producing the first permanent photograph of a view from nature in 1826.

As the medium has evolved, so has its impact on society – photography now plays an integral role in communication, documentation, and self-expression, allowing us to immortalize our memories and connect with others.

From the early days of caustic chemicals and cumbersome cameras to the sleek, sophisticated digital equipment of today, photography has undergone a remarkable transformation.

The journey has seen groundbreaking technological advancements like the invention of the Collodion process by Frederick Scott Archer in the mid-19th century, which drastically reduced exposure time, and the arrival of digital photography in the late 1980s, which revolutionized the way we store and work with images.

The artistry of photography has also evolved over the years, with countless artists pushing the boundaries of what can be captured through a lens, constantly redefining the possibilities of this powerful medium.

In this article, we will take a look at the rich history of photography, delving into significant milestones and inventions that have shaped the way we capture time.

As we progress through the timeline of photographic advancements, we will explore the creative and technical innovations that have enabled the photographic art form to flourish and become such an important aspect of our lives today.

The Dawn of Photography

Camera Obscura

The concept of capturing images traces its roots back to the invention of the camera obscura, a device that projects the image of a scene onto a surface.

In the late 16th century, Italian scientist and writer Giambattista della Porta demonstrated the use of a camera obscura with a lens, paving the way for the development of modern photography.

Nicephore Niepce

Nicephore Niepce is considered one of the pioneers of photography.

In the early 19th century, he experimented with various methods to capture images.

In 1826, Niepce succeeded in creating the first known photograph, an image of a courtyard using a process called heliography, which involved using light-sensitive materials and a long exposure time.

Louis Daguerre

Louis Daguerre, a French artist, and chemist, collaborated with Nicephore Niepce to refine the photographic process.

After Niepce’s death in 1833, Daguerre continued the work, developing a new technique that dramatically reduced exposure times.

In 1839, Daguerre introduced the daguerreotype, a process that involved capturing images on a silver-coated copper plate, resulting in highly detailed and sharp images.

Henry Fox Talbot

Around the same time as Daguerre, Henry Fox Talbot, an English scientist and inventor, was also experimenting with photography.

In 1835, Talbot discovered a new process called the calotype, which made use of paper coated with silver iodide to create a negative image that could then be reproduced multiple times.

Calotype was a significant improvement over the daguerreotype process, as it allowed for more flexibility in printing and reproduction.

In summary, the history of photography can be traced back to the invention of the camera obscura and the pioneering work of individuals like Nicephore Niepce, Louis Daguerre, and Henry Fox Talbot.

These innovators transformed the world of visual arts with groundbreaking advancements in optics and photographic processes such as the daguerreotype and calotype.

Early Photographic Techniques

Daguerreotype Process

The Daguerreotype process, developed by French artist Louis Daguerre in 1839, was the first publicly available photographic process.

It involved:

• Coating a silver-plated copper sheet with iodine fumes to create a light-sensitive surface
• Exposing the metal plate to light in a camera obscura
• Developing the exposed plate with mercury vapor to reveal the captured image
• Fixing the image using sodium thiosulfate to prevent further exposure

This technique produced a unique, highly detailed image, but its main drawbacks were its lengthy exposure time and inability to create duplicates.

Calotype Process

The Calotype process was invented by English scientist William Henry Fox Talbot in 1841, just a few years after the Daguerreotype.

This process was the first to use a negative-positive method, enabling the creation of multiple copies.

The main steps included:

• Coating paper with a light-sensitive silver iodide solution
• Exposing the coated paper inside a camera obscura
• Developing the image with a solution of gallic acid, silver nitrate, and acetic acid
• Fixing the image with potassium bromide

Although the Calotype resulted in less-detailed images compared to the Daguerreotype, it laid the foundation for modern photography due to its replicability.

Tintypes

Tintypes, invented in the 1850s by Hamilton L. Smith, were a simplified version of the collodion process.

They featured direct positive images on a thin sheet of iron coated with black enamel or varnish.

Key aspects of the process include:

• Coating the metal plate with collodion, a solution containing silver salts
• Dipping the coated plate into a silver nitrate solution
• Exposing the plate in a camera
• Developing the image with a solution of pyrogallic acid or ferrous sulfate

This method was popular due to its affordability, durability, and faster exposure times compared to earlier techniques.

Ambrotypes

Ambrotypes, introduced in the 1850s by Frederick Scott Archer, were another adaptation of the collodion process.

The primary difference was the use of a glass base for the image, creating a positive image by darkening the glass with a black backing.

The process involved:

• Coating a glass plate with collodion and sensitizing it in a silver nitrate bath
• Exposing the plate in the camera while still wet
• Developing the image using a mixture of pyrogallic acid and acetic acid
• Fixing the image with potassium cyanide or sodium thiosulfate

Ambrotypes offered shorter exposure times and finer detail than tintypes, but their fragile nature led to a decline in popularity as more durable processes emerged.

Technological Advancements

Dry Plate

In the 1870s, the dry plate process was introduced, which greatly improved the convenience of photography.

This new method used gelatin emulsions coated on glass plates, which could be stored for a longer time before being exposed and developed.

This invention allowed photographers to carry multiple plates and capture more images with ease.

Celluloid

Around the same time as the development of dry plates, celluloid was invented.

This plastic material became the foundation for photographic film.

Celluloid was lightweight and flexible, allowing for more compact and portable cameras.

Its invention significantly expanded the possibilities and accessibility of photography.

Roll Film

George Eastman, the founder of Kodak, made photography even more accessible with the introduction of roll film in 1884.

Roll film replaced glass plates with paper rolls coated in light-sensitive emulsion.

This development enabled the production of smaller, more affordable cameras, like the Kodak Brownie, which allowed photography to become widely popular and accessible to ordinary people.

Flash Bulb

In 1927, the flash bulb revolutionized indoor and low-light photography.

These disposable bulbs contained a wire that burned brightly when ignited, providing a brief but powerful burst of light.

This invention allowed photographers to capture images in dimly lit environments, expanding the range of possible subjects and settings for photography.

Xerography

In 1938, Chester Carlson invented xerography, a photocopying technique that laid the foundation for the modern photocopier.

This technology used an electrostatic process to create an image on a charged surface, which could then be transferred to paper.

Xerography enabled the fast reproduction and distribution of photographic images in the 20th century.

Polaroid Camera

The Polaroid camera, introduced by Edwin Land in 1947, was a groundbreaking development that brought instant photography to the masses.

The camera used a unique film that developed an image just minutes after being taken.

Polaroid cameras gained immense popularity for their convenience and speed, allowing people to capture and share memories instantly.

In summary, the history of photography is marked by several key technological advancements.

The dry plate, celluloid, roll film, flashbulb, xerography, and Polaroid camera all played crucial roles in expanding photography’s possibilities, accessibility, and impact on society.

Influential Figures and Companies

George Eastman

George Eastman was a pioneering figure in the history of photography.

He founded the Eastman Kodak Company in 1888, which revolutionized the industry by simplifying the photography process and making it accessible to everyday consumers.

Kodak introduced easy-to-use, affordable cameras like the Kodak Brownie, and popularized the use of roll film.

Hannibal Goodwin

Hannibal Goodwin was an American clergyman who is known for his crucial invention of celluloid photographic film in 1887.

This invention significantly improved photographic technology and laid the foundation for the motion picture industry.

Goodwin’s celluloid film was transparent, flexible, and durable, allowing for better quality and more easily processed images.

Frederick Scott Archer

Frederick Scott Archer was an English sculptor and inventor, who developed the wet collodion process in 1851.

This innovation was a major breakthrough in the field of photography, as it greatly reduced exposure times and produced high-quality, detailed images.

Archer’s technique marked a significant improvement over the earlier daguerreotype and calotype processes.

Polaroid

Polaroid, founded by Edwin H. Land in 1937, was a pioneering company in the field of instant photography.

In 1947, Land introduced the first Polaroid camera, which revolutionized photography with its ability to produce instant prints.

The company continued to innovate, developing instant color film in 1963 and other popular cameras like the Polaroid SX-70 and OneStep models.

Kodak

As mentioned above, Kodak, founded by George Eastman, has played a significant role in the history of photography.

Beyond making the photography process more accessible to the masses, Kodak also introduced various innovations, such as high-speed Tri-X film in 1954 and the first digital camera in 1975.

The company’s contributions have undoubtedly shaped modern photography.

The Impossible Project

The Impossible Project, now known as Polaroid Originals, was founded in 2008.

As Polaroid ceased production of instant film in 2008, The Impossible Project aimed to resurrect it, purchasing Polaroid’s last remaining factory and developing new instant film for vintage Polaroid cameras.

Their efforts have played a significant role in preserving and revitalizing the world of instant photography.

Modern Photography

Digital Cameras

Digital cameras revolutionized the world of photography in the late 1980s.

They allowed for instant image capture and storage, eliminating the need for film and chemical development.

Digital cameras vary greatly in size, resolution, and features, enabling photographers to take high-quality images without the hassle of analog processes.

Some advantages of digital cameras include:

• Instant image review, allowing for quick adjustments and retakes
• The ability to hold hundreds of images even in just one memory card
• Greater control over image settings, such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO

Smartphones

The integration of camera technology into smartphones has made photography even more accessible and convenient.

Today’s smartphones are equipped with high-quality cameras that can rival standalone digital cameras in terms of image quality, resolution, and features.

Additionally, smartphones allow for quick photo editing and sharing through various apps and social media platforms.

Advancements in smartphone photography include:

• Multiple lenses and sensors for versatile shooting options (e.g. wide angle, telephoto, and macro lenses)
• Powerful image processing algorithms, improving image quality in challenging lighting conditions
• Portrait mode, which simulates the shallow depth of field traditionally created with DSLR cameras and lenses

Lenses

Lenses play a crucial role in the creative process of capturing images.

They are responsible for focusing light onto the camera’s sensor, and can dramatically affect the appearance of a photograph.

There are many different types of lenses available for modern photographers, including:

• Prime lenses: These have a fixed focal length, typically producing sharper and brighter images compared to zoom lenses. Examples include 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm lenses.
• Zoom lenses: These offer a range of focal lengths, providing flexibility for photographers to adjust their composition without moving closer or further away from their subject. Examples include 24-70mm and 70-200mm lenses.
• Specialty lenses: These are designed for specific purposes, such as macro lenses for close-up photography or tilt-shift lenses for architectural photography.

The availability and variety of lenses for modern cameras and smartphones allow photographers to experiment with different perspectives and styles, further expanding the creative possibilities of photography.

The history of photography is sure an interesting one.

By knowing the process and development it had come through, we can appreciate better the convenience and meaning that it offers, allowing us to capture time and memories beautifully.