The History & Importance of Photography

Morgan BorowskiGraduation Project

"'Photography is all about secrets,' David said. ... 'The secrets we all

have and will never tell.'" -The Memory Keeper’s Daughter

History of Photography

In Latin, To be in camera means to be in

secret.

The History Dates Far Back…

The History Dates Far Back…

Cameras

Types Camera Obscura – First practical one built in 1685 by Johann Zahn,

though being able to take a picture with such a camera had to wait until 150 years later.

Development processes- Wet plate, Dry Plate, and Daguerreotype

Film Camera – First developed by George Eastman in 1900. This camera took place of the old development types.

35mm Camera – 35mm cine film was used for compact still cameras. Roll film was still preferred because it was inexpensive.

Cameras

Types

TLRs & SLRs – Twin-lens reflex and Single-lens reflex. TLRs became popular in both high-end and low-end cameras. SLRs began to use roll film and eventually 35mm film.

Instant Camera – Produced instant photographs. Used a patented chemical process to develop photos in under a minute.

Digital Camera – The first one mass produced for consumer use was by Apple, and was named QuickTake 100 Camera. 1994.

Black & White

Black & White

Black & White

Black & White

Black & White

Color

Color

Color

Edited

Photography as a Career

Alfred Eisenstaedt was named photojournalist of the 20th century by LIFE Magazine.

Photographed for seventy years – from when he was twenty years old to when he died at the age of 90 in 1995.

Met and became friends with many famous people such as Marilyn Monroe, Caroline Kennedy, and Sophia Loren.

Alfred Eisenstaedt Photography

Photography as an Art Form

Ansel Adams took breath-taking photos –

He preferred to shoot scenes in nature in black & white.

He took his first picture in 1916 with his very first camera. He continued to take pictures until he passed away in 1984.

Was also a concert pianist, and taught himself to play the piano.

Ansel Adams Photography

Importance

Photography has served many purposes over the years, and continues to serve us today. Memories Documentation Artistry Hobby

Importance

Memories Photos help remind people of past time. Photos capture the raw emotion on a person’s

face. Weddings, birthday parties, vacations, and so

much more can be remembered for years after.

Importance

Documentation Photojournalists use photography to

accompany an article, or just let the picture speak for itself.

Crime scenes

Importance

Artistry Artists express themselves through

photography. Expressive, abstract, portraiture, and other

types are all appreciated by the public. A picture really does say a thousand words.

Importance

Hobby Amateur photographers capture the motions of

everyday. Taking a good photo can make one feel good. A form of expression, like painting.

Conclusion

Photography has been around for centuries, and continues to serve the people of the world today. It takes on many forms to better suit the people using it. Photos bring to life what was once forgotten. Photography will be around for many more years because it reminds people, it captures beauty and emotion, and serves as an art form for many people.