Table of Contents
Photography is the discipline of capturing images through the light, either in physical format or digital. What does it mean the photo? Beyond the technique, it has a cultural meaning and emotional depth, as each image tells a story that can be understood without words.
In addition to its function as an artistic tool, allows you to preserve moments in a lasting way. This register can be personal, artistic or scientific, capturing the essence of a moment and transforming it into a visual memory.
Today, it has become essential in visual communication, allowing each person can capture and share their vision of the world. This has transformed the way we relate to the environment, turning it into one of the universal languages more powerful.
Origin of Photography: From the darkroom to the Modern Art
The path to the photo moderna began with the dark room, a concept that dates back to the ancient civilizations of Greek and chinese. But, in what year was invented photography? It was in 1826 when Joseph Nicéphore Niépce had managed to capture the first image permanent by using a plate of tin with bitumen in a process that he called heliografia. Although rudimentary, this image marked the beginning.
In 1839, the French scientist Louis Daguerre developed the daguerrotip, which provides images of the highest quality and durability. This method made photography more accessible, interesting scientists, artists and journalists. (Source: History of Photography on Wikipedia)
Historical evolution of Photography
During its history, photography has experienced a constant evolution. In 1888, George Eastman, founder of Kodak, he launched the first portable camera with reel of film, democratise photography and making it accessible to the general public. In the twentieth CENTURY, photography in color revolutionized the visual experience, but it was digital, in the 70s, that was totally transform the photographic process.
With smartphones, the advancement of more recent, it is possible to capture and share images instantly. Today, photography is a tool that is accessible to millions of people.
Impact the Social and Cultural Photography
The role of photography in the culture and society is profound. Since the NINETEENTH century, has documented important moments of the history, from conflict and celebrations up to scientific discoveries. This ability to capture and preserve the reality has made photography an essential resource in journalism and research.
In addition to its value in the documentary, it is a powerful tool in the social reporting. Photographs such as those of Dorothea Lange during the Great Depression in the United States or the Kevin Carter in Sudan have been raising awareness of the world about the realities of the toughest, generating changes in the public perception.
In the field of art, photography has allowed artists to explore the visual world from perspectives unique. Thanks to tools such as framing, lighting and composition, has expanded the frontiers of creativity and has given rise to current artistic surrealism, photography of the street and the minimalism. (Reference: Photography in Modern Art – MoMA)
What is the Picture Today?
Nowadays, photography has multiple applications. First, it is a tool to preserve personal memories, capturing significant moments in the life of the people. This aspect has made it an essential part of everyday life, especially in an era in which it is so easy to capture and share images.
In the trade area, it is crucial to visual marketing. Images of high quality can influence the perception of a brand, to create a visual identity and generate an emotional connection with customers. For this reason, the product photography and corporate are fundamental tools in the promotion of brands and services.
In the field of journalism, enables documenting and reporting events in a way that text alone can't match, offering a perspective visual immediate. It is a resource essential to keep the public informed objectively and directly. (See examples in National Geographic – Documentary Photography)
Finally, in the artistic field, it has become a form of expression that allows the artists to explore the themes, concepts and emotions, creating works that are both personal and universal. This versatility demonstrates that photography is an essential tool in our society moderna.
Variant of the Photograph
There are several types, each with techniques and styles and conditions. Some of the most common are:
- Portrait: Capture the essence of a person, highlighting expressions and emotions.
- Landscape: Captures the beauty of the natural environment or urban.
- Documentary: Used in photojournalism to tell real stories.
- Product: Fundamental marketing to highlight the qualities of a product.
You can read more in our detailed article on Types of Photography, to discover them all.
Conclusion
Throughout its history, photography has proven to be much more than a technical visual. Since its inception, it has been a medium to capture reality and to express ideas, and today continues to be an essential tool in communication, art and documentation.
It is a universal language that connects people, to keep records and enables each generation to leave its mark in the visual. Your capacity for adaptation and the impact of cultural and social assure that photography remains relevant in the lives of millions of people.
