1.

What accounted for the fact that portraiture became such a staple of
commercial photography in the middle of the nineteenth century?
Photography was first thought of long before the 19 th century although
true photography did not appear before then. In 1839 the Negative was
invented and artist were finally able to get a somewhat clear photo. After the
first negative photos, photography grew rapidly over the next 40 50 years.
By 1850 photography technology became the first democratic equalizer.
Photography was no longer only for the rich and famous but was available to
the average citizens; anyone who wanted a photograph could have one.
Prior to the mid-19th century photos were rarely seen in newspapers,
there were mostly drawing of photographs but once inventors could put
photographs into the new media, it revolutionized the news and became a
staple of commercial photography. Photos in the newspapers brought realistic
representations of real life events to the common people who before, were
not exposed to these types of images.
Battle scenes from the Civil War are the first historical events that were
recorded, bringing the horrors caused by the war home with the people.
World War II was also recorded and viewed by the common people, some
worried Americans were not ready to be exposed to those types of images.
Photographs of the average American families struggling during the Great
Depression shed a little light and acknowledgment of the hardships in our
own country.

2. In terms of concept (emotion, mood, symbolism) and visual design

(don't forget this one), compare and contrast Joe Rosenthal's
photograph of Marines raising an American flag on the Japanese
island of Iwo Jima and Thomas E. Franklin's photograph of
firefighters raising the American flag at Ground Zero. In what ways
are the two photos different? In what ways are the two photos
similar? Discuss the special circumstances surrounding the
Rosenthal photograph.
Both photos give strong emotional feelings of faith, heroism, and hope
for the United States of America. Id say hope is the most symbolic feeling
because you can see the soldiers and firefighters struggling to raise the flag
after a long, hard, and tiring battle for our country. The background of both
photographs are dark and gloomy clouds that represent the horrors these
people had to endure and the struggles they faced on both days.
Joe Rosenthals photo is in black and white with low contrast,
emphasizing the dramatic event. I personally like this photo more because of
the sorrow and pain you feel when looking at it. The black and white film
really changes the symbolism from the Ground Zero photo. Thomas E.
Franklins Ground Zero photograph is taken in color and the firefighters dont
look like they are struggling as much as the marines. Though, I like the black
and white photo, this one has the bright and powerful colors of our American
Flag against the grey ash of the fallen buildings which emphasizes the feeling
of heroism, pride and power.
3. What is the difference between photojournalism and propaganda
photography?
The difference between photojournalism and propaganda photography is
simple photojournalism is used to tell a story of events or real life situations
and propaganda is used to sell the viewer on whatever the advertiser wants.

An example of propaganda is the Rosie the Riveter poster, who is used to

empower women and make sure they know they can do it! She is an example
of the woman who worked in the factories during World War II. Many women
took on completely new roles that they had never done before. I believe this
poster encouraged many women to begin working.

For example, the photo of the Migrant Mother is an example of

photojournalism. This young mother of seven children is a famous symbol of
the Great Depression, representing the struggles of American familys during
this hard time in history.