History of Photography

1. What was camera obscura?

= The camera obscura had a significant impact

on the evolution of Photography. Originating
around the 4th century BCE, it shared
similarities with a camera. Initially, it comprised a
darkened room with a small aperture in one
wall. In well-lit conditions outside, light would
pass through the aperture, projecting an
inverted image of the external scene onto the
opposite wall. By the 16th century,
advancements improved the camera obscura,
eventually resulting in portable versions such as
tents and handheld boxes by the 17th century.

1.
2. Explain the photographic printing process that Professor J. Schulze
invented in the 17th century?

= In the 17th century, Professor J. Schulze

introduced a revolutionary method for
photographic printing. It entailed applying
light-sensitive substances, like silver salts,
onto paper or glass plates. Upon exposure
to light through a negative, these substances
would darken, creating an image. This
innovation set the stage for contemporary
photographic printing techniques.
3. In 1800, Thomas Wedgewood created a photographic printing
process. Explain how this worked?

= In 1800, Thomas Wedgewood pioneered an

initial photographic printing method involving
silver nitrate on paper or leather. Exposed to
light, usually via a camera obscura or sunlight
through a translucent object, the treated surface
produced a latent image where light struck.
However, Wedgewood faced challenges in
permanently fixing these images, given the
absence of stabilisation technology.
Nevertheless, his endeavors set the stage
for future photographic innovations, shaping
the evolution of practical techniques in
photography.
4. 1816: What did Nicephore Niepce contribute to the photographic
process?
= In 1816, Nicephore Niepce revolutionised the
photographic process by developing the first successful
method to capture enduring images with a camera. His
innovation, termed heliography, entailed coating a pewter
plate with light-sensitive bitumen of Judea. After
exposure to light in a camera obscura, Niepce utilised a
solvent to develop the plate, unveiling a lasting image.
This milestone laid the groundwork for contemporary
photography, inaugurating a fresh era in visual representation
and creative exploration. Niepce's pioneering achievement
set the stage for subsequent breakthroughs in the
photographic realm.
5. Explain the photographic invention by Henry Fox Talbot called a
“calotype”

= Calotype, is an early photographic technique invented

by Henry Fox Talbot of Great Britain in the 1830s. In this
Technique, a sheet of paper coated with silver chloride was
exposed to light in a camera obscura, where those areas
hit by light became quite dark in tone, resulting in a negative
image. Talbot's ingenuity not only advanced photography
but also facilitated the reproduction of multiple prints from
a single negative. This breakthrough not only democratised
access to photography but also expanded the reach of
visual storytelling, heralding a new era of image creation
and dissemination.
6. Explain the photographic invention by Louis Daguerre?
= Louis Daguerre's groundbreaking contribution to
photography, the daguerreotype, emerged as a
transformative innovation in the 19th century. Devised
in 1839, this ingenious process entailed treating a
copper plate with iodine vapor, creating a light
sensitive surface primed for image capture. Through
exposure within a camera, the plate immortalised
scenes with remarkable detail. Subsequent
development over mercury vapour and fixing with a
sodium thiosulfate solution brought forth distinctive
and vivid images. The daguerreotype's unparalleled
clarity and richness revolutionised visual
documentation, profoundly impacting fields ranging
from portraiture to scientific inquiry. Its legacy endures
as a cornerstone of photographic history, inspiring
further advancements in image-making technologies.
7. Explain what the “Collodion” photographic process is?
= The "Collodion" photographic process, introduced by Frederick
Scott Archer in 1851, involved coating a glass plate with a light-
sensitive solution of collodion, followed by sensitisation in silver
nitrate. This technique, also known as the wet plate collodion
process, required immediate exposure and development while the
plate was still wet. Due to its immediacy, photographers needed
portable darkrooms for on-location shoots. After exposure, the
plate was developed using a chemical solution and then fixed to
prevent further light sensitivity. The process yielded sharp and
detailed images, making it popular for portraiture and
documentary photography during the mid-19th century. Despite
its cumbersome nature and the need for careful handling of
hazardous chemicals, the wet plate collodion process played a
crucial role in the development of photography, paving the way
for advancements in image-making technology.
8. 1888: Kodak released its first camera. Describe how this worked?

= Kodak's release of the No. 1 camera in 1888

transformed photography from a niche pursuit to a
popular pastime. With its simplicity and convenience, the
camera empowered amateurs to capture moments
effortlessly. The pre-loaded film and Kodak's processing
service streamlined the entire photographic process, from
shooting to printing. This democratisation of
photography sparked a cultural shift, as people from all
walks of life embraced the ability to document their lives
and experiences. The Kodak No. 1 camera thus not only
revolutionised the technical aspects of photography but
also catalysed a broader societal embrace of visual
storytelling, shaping the way we capture and preserve
memories to this day.
9. What is a “rayograph”? Explain how this process is done.

= A rayograph, also known as a photogram, is a

photographic image crafted without using a
camera. Objects or materials are positioned
directly onto light sensitive photographic paper in
a darkroom. When it is exposed to light, these
items cast shadows or patterns onto the paper,
forming a distinct image. Following processing,
the resulting print showcases a silhouette-style
representation of the objects. Rayographs
present artists with an innovative and
experimental approach to produce abstract and
surreal visuals.
10. What was the Kodak Brownie Box?

= The Kodak Brownie Box, introduced in 1900,

was a groundbreaking camera that transformed
photography's accessibility. This user-friendly device
popularised snapshot photography with its simplicity
and affordability. Featuring a box-like design, fixed-focus
lens, and straightforward shutter mechanism, it made
capturing moments effortless. Users could effortlessly
load it with roll film, marking a significant step in
democratizing photography for the general public.
11. 1930’s saw the introduction of strobe Photography, what was
this?
= In the 1930s, strobe photography emerged as a
significant innovation in the field, revolutionising image
capture. This technique involved using strobe lights, or
flash units, to briefly illuminate a scene during exposure.
By emitting short bursts of intense light synchronised
with the camera's shutter, strobe photography enabled
photographers to freeze motion and capture clear
images even in low-light environments. This
advancement expanded creative possibilities across
diverse photography genres, including sports,
journalism, and studio photography. Some objects, such
as a spinning fan blade or a moving belt, can even be
made to appear frozen by matching the flashes of light
to the rotational speed of the object.
12. What was Kodachrome?
= Kodachrome, a renowned colour reversal film
launched by Kodak in 1935, quickly became a staple
choice for photographers seeking vibrant and true-to-
life colour reproduction. Its fine grain and long-lasting
archival qualities made it a top preference for
capturing a diverse array of subjects, from landscapes
to portraits. It is also three emulsions, each sensitive
to a primary colour, are coated on a single film base.
Despite its enduring popularity, Kodak made the
decision to discontinue Kodachrome production in
2009, reflecting the shifting landscape towards digital
imaging technologies. Nonetheless, Kodachrome
remains celebrated among photography enthusiasts
for its iconic status in the history of film photography.
13. Explain what a polaroid camera is, and how it works?
= Polaroid cameras, commonly known as instant cameras, are
compact devices renowned for their ability to capture and print
photos instantly. The camera's operation can be broken down
into four key components: mechanics, optics, chemistry, and
photo ejection. Mechanically, the camera employs plastic
negative sheets coated with reactive chemicals, which are
inserted into the camera. Internally, rollers facilitate the
removal and placement of a negative sheet in front of the lens
upon capturing an image. Optics govern the direction and
reflection of light, with the camera aperture opening to allow
reflected light from the subject to enter upon taking a shot.
Chemistry plays a crucial role, as the instant development of
photos relies on chemical reactions occurring within the
negatives. Lastly, photo ejection involves pressing the negative
to trigger another chemical reaction, resulting in the printing
and production of the image.
14.What is the C-41film process?
= The C-41 film process is a widely adopted
technique for developing colour negative film in
photography. Introduced by Kodak in the 1970s, it is
known for its effectiveness and reliability in producing
high-quality colour prints. This method involves a
sequence of chemical treatments, including developer,
bleach, fixer, and stabiliser, to reveal the latent image
captured on the film. The developer transforms
exposed silver halides into metallic silver, forming the
image, while the bleach eliminates unexposed silver
halides. The fixer stabilises the image, making it
permanent, and the stabiliser prevents deterioration
over time. C-41 processing has become a standard for
achieving vibrant and true-to-life color reproductions in
photography.
Thank you!
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