copyright © texas education agency, 2015. all rights reserved. history of commercial photography

Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2015. All rights reserved.

History of Commercial Photography


The History of Photography● Depending on what you consider a camera or

photograph to be, photography can date back either a few hundred years or much longer than that.

● Anyway you slice it, the history of photography is filled with interesting tales and is quite dramatic.

Photo from the creative commons.


Photography is Important● We see hundreds of photos every

single day.● In order to understand and appreciate

photography, it is important to look back and see how cameras and photos have developed over the years.


Events● Many events over the past several

centuries have defined what we call photography today.

● There are several key people and moments that shaped the future of photography.

● In this presentation, we will discuss a few of those moments and people, and how they affected photography.


The First Camera● One of the first types of cameras in the

world was the “camera obscura.” o It was a room with a small hole on

one side that allowed an image to be projected inside.

● To the right is an image that displays how a camera obscura worked.

● During the next 50 years, modifications were made on this same basic design to make it both smaller and more mobile.

Photo from the public domain.


Making Images Permanent

● Eventually, a man named Joseph Niepce developed a way to take photographs that stuck around.


● Niepce worked with Louis Daguerre.● The image on the right is the first

permanent photograph, taken in 1826 by Joseph Niepce. ○ The exposure time of this image

was eight hours. ○ These early permanent photos

were named “Daguerrotypes.”


Different Methods● After the daguerrotype was created,

several more antique photographic methods were developed. Each improved upon the previous. Below are some of the most common: o Daguerrotype (1840-1855) – Made on silver

and subject to tarnish. o Ambrotype (1855-1865) – Made on glass.

Didn’t tarnish, but was subject to cracking and flaking.

o Tintype (1855 - 1900) – Made on tin. Didn’t tarnish or crack away.

An example daguerrotype. Photo from the public domain.


Bringing Photography to the Masses

● George Eastman was the person who first brought photography to the masses.

● He created and sold a simple box camera that featured a fixed focus lens and roll film that fit inside and allowed people to take multiple photos. o This was the first time that cameras

were cheap enough and easy enough to use that the public could purchase and use them.



Evolution of the Camera● The “Brownie” camera was introduced

in the 1900s. o It made photography even cheaper, and

popularized the “snapshot.” ● In the 1940s instant film was

popularized by the public. ● In the 1980s disposable cameras were

developed.


Digital Photography● In the 2000s and more recently,

photography has moved away from film and embraced the digital world.

● This adjustment made it easier and cheaper for people to take photos, without having to worry about using up film. They were also able to immediately view a shot.

● Instead of being made to work with film, cameras were outfitted with digital sensors.

Photos from the public domain.


Commercial Photography● Once photographs became reproducible and of

high quality, photography was welcomed as not just an art form, but as a means of commercialism too.

● People with enough money to purchase above average photography equipment, and with professional level skills, created careers/jobs, such as fashion photographer, product photographer and much more.


Social Media● Social media and the advent of

cameras being built into cell phones made it very easy for amateurs to gain an interest in photography. o It also helped amateur

photographers share their work online.

● This also allowed a whole new generation of photographers to become well-known, based entirely on the general public following their social media accounts.

Image provided by Will Milne, Denton ISD.


The Future● Cameras continue to increase in ability

each and every day. ● Currently, cameras are evolving in a

few different areas, such as: o Low light ability, camera size, shutter speeds,

megapixels, built in internet/editing capabilities and the ability to record video


Review● One of the first types of cameras was the

camera obscura. ● Daguerrotypes helped to make photographs

permanent. ● George Eastman helped bring photography to

the masses. ● Digital photography made it easier and cheaper

for the public to get involved with photography. ● Professional equipment and skills allow people

to pursue photography as a career.

copyright © texas education agency, 2015. all rights reserved. history of commercial photography

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