Photography history
Written by: Nate Torres
Last updated: July 30, 2024
Learn about the history of photography, including the important figures and milestones that have shaped the art into what it is today...
Photography history
The history of photography begins with a significant milestone around 1830 in France, when Joseph Nicephore Niepce captured the first permanent image.
This breakthrough created a ripple effect, paving the way for future advancements in the field. Following this initial success, Joseph Nicole then collaborated with Louis Daguerre to develop the daguerreotype, the first commercial camera that produced images on silver-plated copper. This invention revolutionized the way images were captured and viewed.
As photography evolved, figures such as Alfred Stieglitz, Dorothea Lange, and Ansel Adams played crucial roles in popularizing the medium. Alfred Stieglitz believed strongly that photography, much like music and paintings, could be used to express emotion and convey deep meaning. His influence was profound, persuading landscape painters to explore new artistic directions and contributing to the development of abstract painting styles.
The introduction of "Straight Photography" further shaped the industry by emphasizing a direct and unmanipulated approach to capturing the photographic subject. This style valued sharp focus and the power of the photographic frame to depict reality as it is, which became fundamental in documentary and artistic photography.
The advent of Digital Photography in the late 20th century marked another evolutionary step, transforming the technical aspects of photography. Digital cameras changed how photographs are taken, stored, and shared, making photography accessible to a broader audience and facilitating instant review and modification of images. This shift has continued to expand the possibilities of photographic expression and accessibility, making it an integral part of modern culture and communication.