Lights, Clicks & Say Cheese

A Historical Narrative of Photography: Past to Present

In 1838,  a shoe shiner remained in the frame long enough during the exposure on a busy Paris street becoming the first human figure to feature in a photograph.

©️ Un jour de plus à Paris

First coined in the 1830s, the term “photography" comes from the two Greek words photos meaning "light" and graphein meaning "to draw” thus defining the process of capturing the image of an object by exposing light or similar radiation to a light-sensitive material. From its humble beginnings to the digital age, the journey of photography is a testament to human innovation and creativity which made an intricate art once reserved for the skilled few, an integral part of our daily lives. 

The origins of photography trace back to the ancient concept of camera obscura, a darkened room with a small hole allowing light to project an image of the outside world onto a surface. This idea laid the groundwork for the first successful photograph of nature, a view of the courtyard in Gras, created by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1826-27. His success paved the way for the daguerreotype, a process introduced by Louis Daguerre in 1839. The same year, Niépce’s son and Daguerre sold full rights to the daguerreotype and the heliograph to the French government, in return for annuities for life. August 19th of each year is celebrated as World Photography Day, to honour these early inventions and photographs, though limited, marking the dawn of an era where moments could be captured and preserved. 

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, significant strides in camera technology surfaced which wiped bulky cameras and reduced the exposure time tremendously, improving colour lights, lenses and sensitizing techniques. George Eastman, founder of Kodak, revolutionized photography by introducing roll film, under his slogan “You press the button, we do the rest”, making it easier and more affordable to take pictures. This innovation brought photography into the hands of the masses. Based on the 1861 attempt of James Clerk Maxwell in durable 3 colour methodology of photographs, colour photography developed by the 1930s added a new dimension to images, offering a more lifelike representation of the world. The 35mm film camera, popularized in the mid-20th century, became a favourite among both amateur and professional photographers. It was portable, versatile, and produced high-quality images, setting a new standard for photography.

However, the transition from film to digital was the real game-changer. The first digital cameras emerged in the late 20th century, and quickly gained popularity for their convenience and instant results. All of a sudden, photography was no longer a laborious process but an activity anyone could enjoy. The digital era democratized photography, allowing people to experiment without the cost of film and development. These inventions subsequently encouraged video cameras and cinema. Later, the rise of smartphones further accelerated this trend. With a camera now in every pocket, photography has become a ubiquitous part of life. People could capture and share moments instantly, changing the way people once documented their lives.

The first "selfie" using a daguerreotype camera was taken by Robert Cornelius in 1839 by sitting still for 15 minutes.

( ©️ The Guardian)

Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, Snapchat, etc. have transformed photography into a global language. Now, photography is not just about capturing memories; it is about crafting a narrative, building a brand, and connecting with others. Trends such as selfies, filters, and storytelling through images have redefined the art of posing and what it means to be a photographer. Anyone with a smartphone can now be a creator, influencer, or documentarian.

In a futuristic outlook, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and computational photography are set to further revolutionize the field. Cameras are becoming smarter, able to recognize scenes, optimize settings, and even enhance images in ways that were once unimaginable. Phones, homes, office spaces can now be unlocked using facial recognition cameras. Virtual and augmented reality hold the promise of creating immersive photographic experiences, blurring the line between the real and the virtual.

From the grainy black-and-white images of the 19th century to the high-definition, shareable images of today, photography has come a long way. Its evolution is a reflection of our desire to capture and share the world around us. As technology continues to advance, the future of photography seems boundless, offering endless possibilities for how we see and experience the world and continue capturing the beauty of life, one frame at a time!

Written by Deepanshu

Cultural Heritage Researcher, Kalaāyu