Image created by light falling on a light-sensitive surface
The earliest known surviving product of
Nicephore Niepce
's
heliography
process, 1825. It is an ink on paper print and reproduces a 17th-century Flemish engraving showing a man leading a horse.
View from the Window at Le Gras
(1826 or 1827), by
Nicephore Niepce
, the earliest known surviving photograph of a real-world scene, made with a
camera obscura
. Original (left) and
colorized
reoriented enhancement (right).
A modern-day photograph of an Icelandic landscape, captured on a personal camera
A
photograph
(also known as a
photo
,
image
, or
picture
) is an
image
created by
light
falling on a
photosensitive
surface, usually photographic film or an electronic
image sensor
, such as a
CCD
or a
CMOS
chip. Most photographs are now created using a
smartphone
or
camera
, which uses a
lens
to focus the scene's
visible wavelengths
of light into a reproduction of what the
human eye
would see. The process and practice of creating such images is called
photography
.
Etymology
[
edit
]
The word
photograph
was coined in 1839 by
Sir John Herschel
and is based on the
Greek
φ?? (
phos
), meaning "light," and γραφ? (
graphe
), meaning "drawing, writing," together meaning "drawing with light."
[1]
History
[
edit
]
The first permanent photograph, a contact-exposed copy of an engraving, was made in 1822 using the
bitumen
-based "
heliography
" process developed by
Nicephore Niepce
. The first photographs of a real-world scene, made using a
camera obscura
, followed a few years later at Le Gras, France, in 1826, but Niepce's process was not sensitive enough to be practical for that application: a camera
exposure
lasting for hours or days was required.
[2]
In 1829 Niepce entered into a partnership with
Louis Daguerre
and the two collaborated to work out a similar, but more sensitive, and otherwise improved process.
View from the Window at Le Gras
, 1826 by
Joseph Nicephore Niepce
After Niepce's death in 1833, Daguerre concentrated on
silver halide
-based alternatives. He exposed a silver-plated copper sheet to iodine vapor, creating a layer of light-sensitive
silver iodide
; exposed it in the camera for a few minutes; developed the resulting invisible
latent image
to visibility with mercury fumes; then bathed the plate in a hot salt solution to remove the remaining silver iodide, making the results light-fast. He named this first practical process for making photographs with a camera the
daguerreotype
, after himself. Its existence was announced to the world on January 7, 1839 but working details were not made public until August 19 of the same year. Other inventors soon made drastic improvements which reduced the required amount of exposure time from a few minutes to just a few seconds, making portrait photography truly practical and widely popular during this time.
The daguerreotype had shortcomings, notably the fragility of the mirror-like image surface and the particular viewing conditions required to see the image properly. Each was a unique opaque positive that could only be duplicated by copying it with a camera. Inventors set about working out improved processes that would be more practical. By the end of the 1850s the daguerreotype had been replaced by the less expensive and more easily viewed
ambrotype
and
tintype
, which made use of the recently introduced
collodion process
. Glass plate collodion negatives used to make prints on
albumen paper
soon became the preferred photographic method and held that position for many years, even after the introduction of the more convenient
gelatin process
in 1871. Refinements of the gelatin process have remained the primary
black-and-white
photographic process to this day, differing primarily in the sensitivity of the
emulsion
and the support material used, which was originally glass, then a variety of
flexible plastic films
, along with various types of paper for the final prints.
The
Market Square
of
Helsinki
, in the 1890s
Color photography is almost as old as
black-and-white
, with early experiments including
John Herschel
's
Anthotype
prints in 1842, the pioneering work of
Louis Ducos du Hauron
in the 1860s, and the
Lippmann process
unveiled in 1891, but for many years color photography remained little more than a laboratory curiosity. It first became a widespread commercial reality with the introduction of
Autochrome
plates in 1907, but the plates were very expensive and not suitable for casual snapshot-taking with hand-held cameras. The mid-1930s saw the introduction of
Kodachrome
and
Agfacolor Neu
, the first easy-to-use color films of the modern multi-layer
chromogenic
type. These early processes produced transparencies for use in
slide projectors
and viewing devices, but color prints became increasingly popular after the introduction of chromogenic color print paper in the 1940s. The needs of the motion picture industry generated a number of special processes and systems, perhaps the best-known being the now-obsolete three-strip
Technicolor
process.
Types of photographs
[
edit
]
Long-exposure photograph of the
Very Large Telescope
[3]
Non-digital photographs are produced with a two-step chemical process. In the two-step process the light-sensitive film captures a
negative
image (colors and lights/darks are inverted). To produce a
positive
image, the negative is most commonly transferred ('
printed
') onto
photographic paper
. Printing the negative onto transparent film stock is used to manufacture motion picture films.
Alternatively, the film is processed to invert the
negative
image, yielding positive
transparencies
. Such positive images are usually mounted in frames, called slides. Before recent advances in digital photography, transparencies were widely used by professionals because of their sharpness and accuracy of color rendition. Most photographs published in magazines were taken on color transparency film.
Originally, all photographs were monochromatic or hand-painted in color. Although methods for developing color photos were available as early as 1861, they did not become widely available until the 1940s or 1950s, and even so, until the 1960s most photographs were taken in black and white. Since then,
color photography
has dominated popular photography, although black-and-white is still used, being easier to develop than color.
Panoramic format
images can be taken with cameras like the
Hasselblad
Xpan on standard film. Since the 1990s, panoramic photos have been available on the
Advanced Photo System
(APS) film. APS was developed by several of the major film manufacturers to provide a film with different formats and computerized options available, though APS panoramas were created using a mask in panorama-capable cameras, far less desirable than a true panoramic camera, which achieves its effect through a wider film format. APS has become less popular and has been discontinued.
The advent of the
microcomputer
and
digital photography
has led to the rise of
digital prints
. These prints are created from stored
graphic formats
such as
JPEG
,
TIFF
, and
RAW
. The types of printers used include
inkjet printers
,
dye-sublimation printer
,
laser printers
, and
thermal printers
. Inkjet prints are sometimes given the coined name "
Giclee
".
The
Web
has been a popular medium for storing and sharing photos ever since the first photograph was published on the web by
Tim Berners-Lee
in 1992 (an image of the
CERN
house band
Les Horribles Cernettes
). Today popular sites such as
Flickr
,
PhotoBucket
and
500px
are used by millions of people to share their pictures.
The first “selfie”, or self-portrait, was taken by Robert Cornelious back in 1839.
[4]
“Selfies” have become one of the most common photographs, especially in female young adults. Social media has become such a cultural advancement because of photography. People thrive off of selfies of their favorite celebrity, many receive millions of likes on social media because of one simple selfie.
Preservation
[
edit
]
Paper folders
[
edit
]
Ideal photograph storage involves placing each photo in an individual folder constructed from buffered, or
acid-free paper
.
[5]
Buffered paper folders are especially recommended in cases when a photograph was previously mounted onto poor quality material or using an
adhesive
that will lead to even more
acid
creation.
[6]
Store photographs measuring 8x10 inches or smaller vertically along the longer edge of the photo in the buffered paper folder, within a larger archival box, and label each folder with relevant information to identify it. The rigid nature of the folder protects the photo from slumping or creasing, as long as the box is not packed too tightly or under filled. Folder larger photos or
brittle
photos stacked flat within archival boxes with other materials of comparable size.
[7]
Polyester enclosures
[
edit
]
The most stable of plastics used in photo preservation,
polyester
, does not generate any harmful chemical elements, nor does it have any capability to absorb
acids
generated by the photograph itself. Polyester sleeves and encapsulation have been praised for their ability to protect the photograph from
humidity
and environmental
pollution
, slowing the reaction between the item and the atmosphere. This is true, however the polyester just as frequently traps these elements next to the material it is intended to protect. This is especially risky in a storage environment that experiences drastic fluctuations in humidity or temperature, leading to ferrotyping, or sticking of the photograph to the plastic.
[5]
Photographs sleeved or encapsulated in polyester cannot be stored vertically in boxes because they will slide down next to each other within the box, bending and folding, nor can the
archivist
write directly onto the polyester to identify the photograph. Therefore, it is necessary to either stack polyester protected photographs horizontally within a box, or bind them in a three ring binder. Stacking the photos horizontally within a flat box will greatly reduce ease of access, and binders leave three sides of the photo exposed to the effects of light
[8]
and do not support the photograph evenly on both sides, leading to slumping and bending within the binder. The plastic used for enclosures has been manufactured to be as frictionless as possible to prevent scratching photos during insertion to the sleeves. Unfortunately, the slippery nature of the enclosure generates a build-up of
static electricity
, which attracts
dust
and lint particles. The static can attract the dust to the inside of the sleeve, as well, where it can scratch the photograph.
[5]
Likewise, these components that aid in insertion of the photo, referred to as slip agents, can break down and transfer from the plastic to the photograph, where they deposit as an oily film, attracting further lint and dust. At this time, there is no test to evaluate the long-term effects of these components on photographs. In addition, the plastic sleeves can develop kinks or creases in the surface, which will scratch away at the
emulsion
during handling.
[8]
Handling and care
[
edit
]
It is best to leave photographs lying flat on the table when viewing them. Do not pick it up from a corner, or even from two sides and hold it at eye level. Every time the photograph bends, even a little, this can break down the
emulsion
.
[9]
The very nature of enclosing a photograph in plastic encourages users to pick it up; users tend to handle plastic enclosed photographs less gently than non-enclosed photographs, simply because they feel the plastic enclosure makes the photo impervious to all mishandling. As long as a photo is in its folder, there is no need to touch it; simply remove the folder from the box, lay it flat on the table, and open the folder. If for some reason the researchers or
archivists
do need to handle the actual photo, perhaps to examine the
verso
for writing, they can use gloves if there appears to be a risk from oils or dirt on the hands.
Myths and beliefs
[
edit
]
Because
daguerreotypes
were rendered on a mirrored surface, many
spiritualists
also became practitioners of the new art form. Spiritualists would claim that the human image on the mirrored surface was akin to looking into one's soul. The spiritualists also believed that it would open their souls and let demons in. Among some Muslims, it is
makruh
(disliked) to perform
salah
(worship) in a place decorated with photographs.
[10]
Photography and darkroom anomalies and artifacts sometimes lead viewers to believe that spirits or demons have been captured in photos. Some have made a career out of taking pictures of "ghosts" or "spirits".
[11]
There are many instances where people believe photos will bring bad luck either to the person taking the picture or people captured in the photo. For instance, a photograph taken of a pregnant woman will bring bad luck to the baby in the womb and photos taken of dead people will ensure that person is not successful in the afterlife.
[12]
Understandably, in the past, people have been scared of the technology involving photographs and have tried their best to avoid any involvement with cameras. As photography is becoming such a common thing, these superstitions have drastically died down. People are no longer afraid of cameras and having their pictures taken because there are cameras practically everywhere; cell phones, security cameras, and X-rays all take pictures that are used to help us in today’s society. We know now that photographs are not scary, in fact, they are a great form of art and self-expression and can be used in several different ways that are beneficial. They can captivate many valuable memories and provide a sense of safety. A trip to a grocery store or gas station is less of a fearful activity because of security cameras. Thankfully we have the technology to view video feeds live. This would have been very helpful centuries ago because the process of actually taking a photo was very time-consuming and had to be under perfect conditions. Even then after the photo was taken, preserving it was a very difficult task without the equipment we have today.
Legality
[
edit
]
The production or distribution of certain types of photograph has been forbidden under modern laws, such as those of government buildings,
[13]
highly classified regions,
[14]
private property,
copyrighted
works,
[15]
[16]
children's
genitalia
,
[17]
child pornography and less commonly
pornography
overall.
[18]
These laws vary greatly between jurisdictions.
In some public property owned by government, such as law courts,
[19]
government buildings, libraries, civic centres
[20]
[21]
and some of the museums in Hong Kong, photography is not allowed without permission from the government. It is illegal to equip or take photographs and recording in a place of public entertainment, such as cinemas and indoor theaters.
[22]
[23]
In Hungary, from 15 March 2014 when the long-awaited Civil Code was published, the law re-stated what had been normal practice, namely, that a person had the right to refuse being photographed. However,
implied consent
exists: it is not illegal to photograph a person who does not actively object.
[24]
[25]
In
South Africa
photographing people in public is legal.
[26]
Reproducing and selling photographs of people is legal for editorial and limited fair use commercial purposes. There exists no case law to define what the limits on commercial use are. In the United Kingdom there are no laws forbidding photography of private property from a public place.
[27]
Persistent and aggressive photography of a single individual may come under the legal definition of
harassment
.
[28]
[29]
[30]
[31]
A
right to privacy
came into existence in UK law as a consequence of the incorporation of the
European Convention on Human Rights
into domestic law through the
Human Rights Act 1998
. This can result in restrictions on the publication of photography.
[32]
[33]
See also
[
edit
]
References
[
edit
]
- ^
"Online Etymology Dictionary"
.
Archived
from the original on 2 July 2017
. Retrieved
16 January
2017
.
- ^
"The First Photograph - Heliography"
. Archived from
the original
on 6 October 2009
. Retrieved
29 September
2009
.
from Helmut Gernsheim's article, "The 150th Anniversary of Photography," in History of Photography Vol. I, No. 1, January 1977: ... In 1822, Niepce coated a glass plate ... The sunlight passing through ... This first permanent example ... was destroyed ... some years later.
- ^
"A Stream of Stars over Paranal"
.
ESO Picture of the Week
.
Archived
from the original on 20 January 2021
. Retrieved
27 May
2014
.
- ^
Contrastly (12 December 2015).
"The Evolution of Photography"
.
Contrastly
. Retrieved
5 April
2024
.
- ^
a
b
c
"5.6 Storage Enclosures for Photographic Materials"
.
Archived
from the original on 17 September 2021
. Retrieved
16 January
2017
.
- ^
Norris, Debbie Hess. "Caring for Your Photographic Collections." Library of Congress. 9 Feb. 2008,
LOC.gov
Archived
13 February 2011 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
"How Should I Store my Photographic Prints?" Preservation and Archives Professionals. The National Archives and Records Administration. 9 February 2008,
Archives.gov
Archived
13 June 2015 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
a
b
International Organization for Standardization. ISO 18902:2001(E).
Geneva, Switzerland
:
ISO
Office, 2007.
- ^
Baggett, James L. "Handle with Care: Photos." Alabama Librarian.
54.1 (2004): 5.
- ^
Rizvi, Sayyid.
Your Questions Answered
. p. 32.
- ^
"Photos That AREN'T Paranormal"
.
thoughtco.com
.
Archived
from the original on 17 April 2019
. Retrieved
7 May
2018
.
- ^
Chevelle, Chelle (7 August 2023).
"Superstitions About Photography"
.
Medium
. Retrieved
5 April
2024
.
- ^
"Hong Kong e-Legislation"
.
Government of Hong Kong
.
Archived
from the original on 10 October 2016
. Retrieved
20 September
2017
.
- ^
Masco, Joseph. ""Sensitive but Unclassified": Secrecy and the Counterterrorist State." Public Culture 22.3 (2010): 433?463.
- ^
Deazley, Ronan (2010). "Photography, copyright, and the South Kensington experiment".
Intellectual Property Quarterly
.
3
: 293?311.
- ^
Turnbull, Bruce H. "Important legal developments regarding protection of copyrighted content against unauthorized copying." IEEE Communications Magazine 39.8 (2001): 92?100.
- ^
Slane, Andrea. "From scanning to sexting: The scope of protection of dignity-based privacy in Canadian child pornography law." Osgoode Hall Law Journal 48 (2010): 543.
- ^
Taylor, Max; Quayle, Ethel; Holland, Gemma (2001). "Child pornography, the Internet and offending".
ISUMA - the Canadian Journal of Policy Research
.
2
(2): 94?100.
- ^
"Hong Kong e-Legislation"
.
www.legislation.gov.hk
.
Archived
from the original on 10 October 2016
. Retrieved
20 September
2017
.
- ^
"Civic Centres Regulation"
Government of Hong Kong
- ^
"Civic Centres Regulation Filming"
Government of Hong Kong
- ^
"Prevention Of Copyright Piracy Ordinance"
Archived
2016-10-09 at the
Wayback Machine
Government of Hong Kong
- ^
[1]
Archived
2016-10-09 at the
Wayback Machine
Government of Hong Kong
- ^
"Xpat Opinion: What's Up With The New Civil Code & Press Photographs? - Xpatloop.com - Expat Life In Budapest, Hungary - Current affairs"
.
www.xpatloop.com
.
Archived
from the original on 21 September 2017
. Retrieved
20 September
2017
.
- ^
Nolan, Daniel (14 March 2014).
"Hungary law requires photographers to ask permission to take pictures"
.
The Guardian
. London.
Archived
from the original on 10 April 2014
. Retrieved
20 May
2014
.
- ^
Burchell, Jonathan (2009).
"The Legal Protection of Privacy in South Africa: A Transplantable Hybrid"
(PDF)
.
Electronic Journal of Comparative Law
.
13
(1).
Archived
(PDF)
from the original on 7 December 2013
. Retrieved
2 March
2017
.
- ^
"Photographers Rights And The Law In The UK - the law and photography"
.
www.urban75.org
.
Archived
from the original on 2 December 2021
. Retrieved
19 January
2017
.
- ^
Linda Macpherson LL.B, Dip.L.P., LL.M
?
The UK Photographers Rights Guide
Archived
2009-04-28 at the
Wayback Machine
- ^
Mosley v News Group Newspapers Ltd [2008] EWHC 1777 (QB)
- ^
Campbell v Mirror Group Newspapers Ltd [2004] UKHL 22
- ^
Murray v Express Newspapers Plc [2008] EWCA Civ 446
- ^
Human Rights Act 1998
sections 2 & 3
- ^
Human Rights Act 1998
Schedule 1, Part 1, Article 8
External links
[
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]
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