Photography

Definition

Photography is the art and science of capturing images through the use of light-sensitive materials or digital sensors. It revolutionized visual culture, allowing for realistic representation of subjects and events, and became a significant medium for artistic expression, documentation, and communication during the period of industrialization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The advent of photography in the 19th century coincided with the Industrial Revolution, which facilitated advancements in technology and materials used for capturing images.
2. Photography democratized art by enabling people from various backgrounds to document their lives and surroundings, moving away from traditional, elite art forms.
3. The rise of photography led to new artistic movements such as Pictorialism, which sought to elevate photography as a legitimate art form by imitating painting techniques.
4. Photography was used extensively during industrialization for purposes such as documenting urban development, social issues, and changes in everyday life.
5. The introduction of flexible film in the early 20th century made photography more accessible and portable, further influencing its role in both art and documentation.

Review Questions

• How did the invention of photography influence artistic practices during the period of industrialization?
  • The invention of photography significantly influenced artistic practices by providing a new means to capture reality. Artists began to explore photography as both a tool for documentation and a source of inspiration for their work. This led to shifts in traditional art forms as artists responded to photography’s ability to depict scenes with precision, prompting movements like Pictorialism that sought to assert photography's artistic value alongside painting.
• Discuss the impact of industrialization on the development and accessibility of photography in the 19th century.
  • Industrialization had a profound impact on the development and accessibility of photography. Technological advancements during this time improved camera design and film quality, making photography easier and more affordable for the general public. As a result, photography became a popular medium for both professional artists and amateur photographers, leading to an explosion of imagery that documented contemporary life and society.
• Evaluate the role of photography as a medium for social change during the industrial era and its lasting effects on modern society.
  • Photography played a crucial role in advocating for social change during the industrial era by exposing societal issues such as poverty, labor conditions, and urbanization. Photographers like Jacob Riis used their work to highlight the struggles of marginalized communities, raising awareness and prompting reform. This legacy continues today as photography remains a powerful tool for activism, shaping public perception and influencing social movements globally.

Related terms

Daguerreotype: The first publicly announced photographic process, invented by Louis Daguerre in 1839, which produced a single image on a silvered copper plate.

Pictorialism:

An artistic movement in photography from the late 19th to early 20th century that emphasized the aesthetic qualities of photographs, often creating images that resembled paintings.

Photojournalism: A form of journalism that uses photography to tell news stories and convey information visually, gaining prominence with the rise of mass media in the late 19th century.