Your Ad Here

Sunday, February 01, 2009

A Totally Brief History of Photography

By James Gilbert Pynn

The majority of people dont think photography was invented until something ridiculous like the 1800s. Nonsense. I mean, in a sense, theyve got a point, if we take silver nitrate into consideration. But some of the real breakthroughs in 21st Century photography were created in the 9th Century. Take a moment and wrap that around your head. People were using photographic technique and processes more than 2,000 years ago!

Now that youve calmed yourself and wiped your mouth, let's talk " no big whoop " about a few of these early photographic pioneers. The first camera we can pinpoint in history belonged to Ibn al Haytham (965-1040). He used a rudimentary pinhole camera " but it worked! We think. The discovery of silver nitrate by Albertus Magnus (1206-1280) set the stage for later use of silver chloride. In 1694, the photochemical effect of light on chemicals was described in great detail (and in German) by Wilhelm Homberg.

Then, it happened, that in 1826, Nicephore Niepce took the first enduring photograph. His breakthrough dovetailed to some degree (and morbidly) with the American Civil War later on. The Civil War brought photography to the masses. Soon Johnny Rebel and Union Boys were clambering to get their pictures taken as keepsakes for their wives and mothers and sweethearts.

As the end of the 19th Century rolled around, more and more careers were made available to thousands of curious people across the globe. Newspapers constantly need the, magazine were born because of them, and the phenomena of the family portrait was born. Even now, as the film that once fueled the medium is phased out, there is still a need for men and women who are skill in the art of photography, regardless of whether or not its digitally based.

Now are the times that try men's (and women's) souls. And it's also the time for anyone with the passion for the captured image to get serious and get educated. Even for those of you who are really, really talented, remember talent can take you most of the way, but not all the way. At lest, thats what I keep hearing. A solid education can make the shadows go away and expose you to a world of photographic arcana. Photography takes all and celebrates few. Give yourself every advantage.

About the Author:

0 Comments: