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Photographic imaging began with the invention of the Camera Obscura, a large box where light could produce images. Photography itself began with professional photographers inserting silver coated glass plates into large box-like cameras. They found that a chemical reaction with the silver coated plates could then produce an opposite image when treated with other chemicals, over specialized paper using different chemicals they could then produce the actual photographs.
Many of these images, such as the famous photographs of Abraham Lincoln by Matthew Brady, were examples of this rigorous process. From this point it became the goal of many photographers to simplify this process. The next significant stage in photography was the invention of celluloid or film, as we know it. Many of the early processes still crude by today’s standards, employed the loading of large cameras with large quantities of film, allowing the photographer to remain in the field to produce more images per session. The development process was also simplified. They began to develop machines that would allow speedier development and processing of photographs to the paper. Along with these innovations, the huge bulky cameras eventually became smaller and easier to operate. Instead of people going to the camera (in the studio) the camera came out to the world. Photography came out of the hands of professionals only and into the mainstream with the innovation of cameras such as the Brownie Bulls-Eye camera, which had features such as an attached flash. At this point cameras still needed to be loaded and unloaded in the dark so as to not expose the film.
During World War II lenses evolved and cameras became more like what we know today. The development of the single lens reflex allowed photographers more opportunity to focus, choosing images that were at a greater range of distances. However, this made photography more confusing to the amateur and again photography threatened to become once again an art instead of a hobby. The answer to this by the 1960s was the instant camera, including the Polaroid where one sheet could be pulled out and developed instantly. The utilization of plastic made cameras lighter and smaller and less expensive. The development of the permanent electronic flash made flash bulbs obsolete. The speed of photography was enhanced by the film cartridge concept, which made it easier than ever to take photos anywhere. Silicon chips were added to make taking pictures “idiot proof” as it automatically controlled shutter speed, focus and lighting. Special film was available designed to work well with different lighting ranging from 100 to 800 ASA/ISO film speed.
Photographic innovation was never more evident in the photography done during the Vietnam War where photojournalists had convenience in the field as never before. While at home, focuses on fast, fun and easy photography and it enjoyed popularity as never before and nearly every home had a camera (or two).
Today, the choices of camera for the amateur and professional are endless: from expensive to the disposable. With the computer age, Photography has come out of the darkroom and onto the CD Rom. Digital cameras produce images ready for a web site transmission and most photo developers now offer the choice of prints, slides or CD, so anyone who can click a button can send pictures around the world.
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