Chapter 1: The Origins of Photography

The History of Photography

Photography has evolved over nearly two centuries, wherein technological advances, artistic expression, and democratization of the medium have been some of the significant elements of development. This chapter will outline the history of photography from its very beginnings in 400 BC up to the present time, noting important developments, key people, and milestones. The story of photography is one of technological breakthroughs, cultural shifts, and evolving art forms that have shaped the way humanity records, interprets, and interacts with the world.

The Camera Obscura

Long before the invention of photography, the camera obscura was an essential tool for understanding the nature of light and optics. It dates back at least to 400 BC, when the Chinese philosopher Mo-tzu-or Mozi-first wrote about it. The term "camera obscura" comes from the Latin for "dark chamber," or "dark room" depending on which historian you ask. Dark room seems to fit the better as it speaks of the small and dark space of the device usage. Essentially, the camera obscura was simply a box or room with a small hole, or aperture, on one side, and the light streaming through it fell on an interior surface to form an upside-down image of the outside world. This was a very important phenomenon for early scholars and artists who wanted to study the principles of light and vision.

One of the earliest recorded notations of this phenomenon was made by Aristotle and Ptolemy, who noted how light could project an image through a small opening and inspired later developments of more advanced optical devices. The camera obscura, as it developed, became an instrument in widespread use by artists, especially during the Renaissance, for the aid of drawing and understanding perspective. Leonardo da Vinci made the first clear description of the camera obscura in Codex Atlanticus (1502). The device enabled artists to trace the outlines and study the details of an image by projecting real-life scenes onto a surface, therefore becoming a very important tool in gaining accuracy in their work. This technique allowed artists to study the relationship between light, shadow, and form, laying the groundwork for the eventual invention of the photographic camera. While not a camera in the modern sense, the camera obscura was a pivotal development in the history of optics and visual representation, to which it contributed enormously for both scientific discovery and artistic practice.

The First Photographic Image

**Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, *View from the Window at Le Gras*, c. 1826–27, heliograph on pewter, 6.57 x 8 inches (Harry Ransom Center, Austin)**

In 1826, Joseph Nicéphore Niépce of France created the first known permanent photograph, titled "View from the Window at Le Gras." This image was created using a process called heliography or bitumen on a pewter plate. Niépce's work was groundbreaking, but his process required an exposure time of around 8 hours.

Key points about "View from the Window at Le Gras"

Creator: Joseph Nicéphore Niépce

Date taken: Around 1826-1827
Technique: Heliography, a process invented by Niépce
Significance: Considered the first permanent photograph captured from nature

In the early 1820s, at his country house in Le Gras, France, Joseph Nicéphore Niépce made history. From a second-story window, he positioned a camera obscura fitted with a polished pewter plate coated in light-sensitive bitumen. He directed the lens toward the view outside and left it uncovered for a prolonged exposure—anywhere from eight hours to several days. The outcome? The world’s oldest surviving photograph. The image captures a south-facing perspective of Niépce’s estate, showcasing key features of the property. From left to right, it reveals the family’s pigeon-house, a pear tree, the sloping roof of the barn, the bakery chimney, and another wing of the house. The long exposure time allowed the sun’s path to illuminate both sides of the structures, creating a unique, evenly lit composition that forever preserved a glimpse of Niépce’s 19th-century French countryside.

The Daguerreotype (1839)

After the death of Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, his collaborator Louis Daguerre continued to refine their shared work, culminating in the invention of the daguerreotype in 1839. This groundbreaking photographic process significantly reduced exposure times and produced images with remarkable detail and clarity. Introduced to the public in Paris, the daguerreotype quickly captured widespread attention, revolutionizing the way people documented and preserved their lives. Its popularity soared, particularly in portrait studios, where it became the dominant form of photography.

The ability to create lifelike and highly detailed images made the daguerreotype a cultural phenomenon, setting the stage for photography's evolution into an essential medium of communication and art. Several notable photographers emerged during the era of the daguerreotype, making significant contributions to the development and artistry of early photography. Some of the most prominent figures include:

***Edwin H. Manchester of the Masury & Hartshorn studio, Edgar Allan Poe, Daguerreotype, 1848***

Louis Daguerre – As the inventor of the daguerreotype process, Daguerre himself became one of its most notable practitioners. His early images demonstrated the potential of this revolutionary technology and set the standard for others to follow.
Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey – A French photographer and artist, Girault de Prangey used the daguerreotype to document his travels through Europe and the Middle East in the 1840s, capturing some of the earliest known photographic images of famous landmarks and architecture.
Southworth & Hawes – This Boston-based photography studio, operated by Albert Sands Southworth and Josiah Johnson Hawes, became renowned for their artistic and high-quality daguerreotype portraits. They photographed many prominent individuals of the time, including statesmen and intellectuals.
Matthew Brady – Known as a pioneer of American photography, Brady initially worked with daguerreotypes before moving to other photographic processes. His early work included portraits of prominent figures, helping to establish photography as a respected profession.
John Plumbe Jr. – An early American daguerreotypist, Plumbe played a significant role in spreading the daguerreotype process in the United States. He also established a chain of daguerreotype studios across the country.

These individuals not only mastered the daguerreotype process but also elevated it into an art form, preserving moments and people with a level of detail that captivated audiences and set the foundation for future photographic innovations. The daguerreotype process was intricate and required precision at every stage. The daguerreotype process was intricate and required a series of precise steps to create a photograph. It began with the preparation of a highly polished silver-coated copper plate. The plate was exposed to iodine vapor, which reacted with the silver to form a light-sensitive layer of silver iodide. This plate was then carefully loaded into the camera, where it was protected from light until ready for exposure. To capture the image, the camera was aimed at the subject, and the lens cap was removed, allowing light to strike the sensitized plate. Exposure times varied depending on lighting conditions, often lasting from several seconds to several minutes. During this time, the silver iodide reacted to the light, creating an invisible latent image on the plate.

Once the exposure was complete, the plate was removed from the camera and developed using heated mercury vapor. This toxic substance adhered to the areas where light had struck, revealing a visible image. The plate was then immersed in a solution of sodium thiosulfate or salt to fix the image by removing any unreacted silver iodide. This step stabilized the photograph, ensuring it would not change when exposed to light in the future. After fixing, the plate was rinsed thoroughly with water to remove any residual chemicals and then dried. The final daguerreotype was typically mounted under glass and placed in a decorative case or frame to protect its delicate surface. These images were reflective and highly detailed, but they required careful handling due to their sensitivity to scratches and tarnish. Despite the complexity of the process, the daguerreotype produced stunning, one-of-a-kind photographs that marked a pivotal moment in the history of photography. This meticulous process required skill and patience, but the results were stunningly detailed images that set the standard for early photography.

Early Developments and Controversy

In the same year that the daguerreotype gained prominence, Henry Fox Talbot in England was independently pursuing a different approach to photography. Talbot developed the calotype, also known as the Talbotype, a process that utilized paper negatives coated with light-sensitive chemicals. Unlike the daguerreotype, which produced a single, unique image, the calotype allowed for multiple positive prints to be made from a single negative, a revolutionary concept that foreshadowed modern photographic reproduction. Although Talbot's invention did not achieve the same level of commercial success as the daguerreotype, which dominated the market with its sharp detail and polished appearance, the calotype was a critical milestone. It laid the groundwork for future photographic processes, introducing the idea of reproducibility that would become a cornerstone of photography as both an art form and a practical tool.

The Expansion of Photographic Methods (Mid 19th Century)

Collodion Wet Plates (1851)

*Michael Chylinski in the center, photographed by Kyle McMillin.*

The collodion wet plate process, developed by Frederick Scott Archer in 1851, was a significant improvement over previous methods. This photographic technique involved coating a glass or metal plate with a collodion solution, which was then sensitized in a silver nitrate bath before being exposed in a camera while still wet. The resulting image was developed immediately after exposure, creating a highly detailed and durable photograph. Collodion Wet Plates gained popularity for their sharpness, depth, and ability to reproduce fine details, making them widely used in portraiture and documentary photography during the mid-19th century. However, the process was labor-intensive, requiring precise timing and skill, which limited its use to professional photographers.

Notable users of the Collodion Wet Plate process include:

Julia Margaret Cameron – A pioneering British photographer known for her striking portraits and romantic style.
Nadar (Gaspard-Félix Tournachon) – A French caricaturist and photographer famous for his portraits of artists and intellectuals.
Timothy O'Sullivan – An American photographer and Civil War veteran known for his landscape photography during westward expansion in the U.S.
Eadweard Muybridge – British photographer and motion picture pioneer who used collodion wet plates in his studies of motion and human and animal locomotion.

Ambrotypes and Tintypes

Half Plate Ambrotype of a Gothic Cottage with a Boy and Dog Sitting on the Porch

Ambrotypes were an early photographic process that involved capturing images on glass plates coated with a collodion solution. This method was less expensive and quicker to produce compared to daguerreotypes, though the image quality was not as refined. Ambrotypes gained popularity for their affordability and practicality, making them accessible to a wider range of photographers. Unlike daguerreotypes, which required highly polished silver-plated copper or silvered metal, ambrotypes used a glass substrate, allowing for quicker development times. Tintypes were another variation of the process, employing a similar collodion method, but instead utilized a metal plate rather than glass. Tintypes were particularly affordable and durable, which contributed to their widespread use during the American Civil War. Soldiers and civilians alike appreciated tintypes for their practicality, as they were lightweight, resistant to breakage, and easy to carry in the field. Both ambrotypes and tintypes offered photographers a more cost-effective alternative to the more labor-intensive daguerreotype process, ensuring their lasting popularity in the mid-19th century.

Photography as a Tool for Documentation

Photography became a tool for documenting historical events and subjects. Mathew Brady (c. 1822–1896) is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in early American photography. widely regarded as one of the first to use photography to document the Civil War. Born in Upstate New York, Brady initially pursued a career as a portrait painter before transitioning into photography in the mid-1840s. He opened his first studio in New York City, quickly establishing a reputation for capturing high-quality, detailed portraits of prominent politicians, artists, and intellectuals of the time. Brady’s work became even more significant during the Civil War, when he undertook the ambitious task of documenting the conflict through photography. His studio employed a team of photographers, including Alexander Gardner and Timothy O'Sullivan, who traveled with Union forces to capture battlefield scenes, camp life, and the harsh realities of war. These images helped shape public perception of the war, providing a visual record of the immense human cost and devastation. Brady's photographs were among the first to bring war into the national consciousness through a medium that was both accessible and emotionally powerful. Despite financial struggles in the years following the war, Brady’s contributions to photography remain monumental, establishing him as a pioneering figure in American visual history.

The Development of Photographic Film (Late 19th Century)

The Introduction of Dry Plates (1871)

In 1871, Richard Leach Maddox revolutionized photography with the invention of the dry plate process. This innovation allowed photographers to prepare photographic plates in advance and store them until needed, greatly enhancing convenience and efficiency. Unlike the earlier wet plate process, which required photographers to coat and sensitize plates immediately before use, the dry plate method simplified the workflow by eliminating the need for immediate development. This made it easier for photographers to capture images spontaneously, as the plates could be stored and used at a later time. The dry plate process also laid the foundation for the development of modern photographic film, significantly widening the accessibility of photography beyond professional practitioners. Amateur photographers now had the means to experiment with photography, producing higher-quality images with less technical skill required. This advancement marked a pivotal moment in the democratization of photography, paving the way for the widespread use of film-based photography and eventually digital imaging.

The Birth of Kodak (1888)

In 1888, George Eastman introduced the first Kodak camera, a simple point-and-shoot device that used roll film, making photography accessible to the masses.
Eastman’s innovation democratized photography, allowing individuals to take their photographs and send the roll to Kodak for processing and printing.
The slogan "You press the button, we do the rest" became synonymous with Kodak's success and influence on the photographic market.

The Transition to Color Photography (Early 20th Century)

Autochrome (1907)

In 1907, Auguste and Louis Lumière, pioneers of motion pictures, introduced the Autochrome plate, the first commercially available process for color photography. This innovative method used dyed grains of starch to create vibrant, color-rich images. Although it made color photography more accessible, the Autochrome process had its limitations, particularly in terms of exposure time and color accuracy. Photographers had to carefully manage exposure settings to achieve the desired results, and the color fidelity was not as precise as modern techniques. Despite these challenges, Autochrome plates represented a significant step forward in capturing color imagery, paving the way for future advancements in photographic technology.

Kodachrome and the Rise of Color Film (1935)

In 1935, Kodak introduced Kodachrome, the first color film that provided high-quality results and remarkable durability. This groundbreaking innovation revolutionized color photography, offering vibrant, true-to-life images with exceptional longevity. Kodachrome quickly gained popularity among both amateur and professional photographers, as it allowed for more accessible and reliable color imaging. Its consistent performance and ability to produce sharp, detailed images made it a favorite in the photographic industry, marking a significant shift toward the widespread use of color film in capturing visual memories and artistic expression. Notable photographers who played a significant role in the development and use of early color photography, including Kodachrome and other advancements, include:

**Steve McCurry's "Afghan Girl," photographed in Peshawar, Pakistan, in 1984 on Kodachrome film.**

Ansel Adams – Though primarily known for his black-and-white landscape photography, Adams also explored color photography later in his career and was an advocate for color accuracy in photography.
Elliott Erwitt – Known for his candid street photography and advertising work, Erwitt embraced color photography, capturing moments with a vibrant, humorous perspective.
William Eggleston – Widely regarded as a pioneer in color photography, Eggleston's work in the 1960s and 1970s with Kodachrome challenged traditional photographic norms and paved the way for color's acceptance in fine art.
Steve McCurry – Famous for his powerful portraits and documentary work, McCurry frequently used color film, including Kodachrome, to capture vivid, emotionally resonant imagery.

The Digital Revolution (Late 20th Century – Present)

The Development of Digital Imaging (1969-1975)

The journey of digital imaging began in earnest in 1969 when Willard Boyle and George E. Smith created the first true digital image through their pioneering work on the charge-coupled device (CCD). This revolutionary technology laid the groundwork for what would become digital photography by capturing and storing electronic images. Their development of the CCD allowed for the conversion of light into electronic signals, a process that would eventually lead to the creation of digital sensors. In 1975, Steven Sasson of Kodak further advanced this technology by developing the first digital camera. Weighing approximately 8 pounds, this early camera captured black-and-white images using a bulky apparatus that was far from the sleek, portable devices we are familiar with today.

The Shift to Digital (1990s)

By the late 1990s, digital cameras began to replace traditional film-based cameras as the preferred medium for capturing images. The introduction of affordable consumer digital cameras, combined with the development of digital formats like JPEG and the advancement of digital sensors, made photography accessible to a broader audience. Digital imaging offered convenience, instant feedback, and the ability to manipulate images through software, which film could not achieve. As digital technology improved, photographers and consumers alike embraced this new medium for both professional and personal use, enabling the widespread adoption of digital photography.

Smartphone Cameras (2000s-Present)

The introduction of the iPhone in 2007 revolutionized photography once again by transforming smartphones into powerful, versatile cameras. These mobile devices now serve as the primary tool for millions of people worldwide to capture images. With advancements in features like autofocus, High Dynamic Range (HDR), and AI-assisted editing, smartphones offer capabilities once limited to professional cameras. Additionally, the rise of social media platforms such as Instagram has democratized photography, enabling individuals to easily share and showcase their photos, turning photography into a key form of personal expression, creativity, and communication in the digital age.