Photos are a huge part of 21st century life. For many people, their lives are documented in photos, whether that be film photography / instant photography or digital photography. Most of us have photo albums packed full of cherished visual memories, and these photographs play a sentimental part in how we recall and remember our lives.

Most of us in 2019, also carry a camera with us everywhere we go (via our smart phone), and it’s true to say, photography has never been more affordable or more accessible.

But where did the journey begin? What has the evolution of photography looked like throughout time? Keep reading to find out…

Early Photography

The basic concept of photography dates back to the 5th century B.C.E, but it wasn’t until the 11th century when a scientist invented the practice of “camera obscura” that the art of photography was truly born. This device, although hugely impactful in the evolution of photography, couldn’t record images. It’s purpose was to project images onto another surface, where (often) the likeness would then be drawn or painted on top.

The Camera Obscura used a pinhole in a tent to create an image from outside the tent into the darkened area. It was nothing near being portable until the 17th century when basic lenses were added to the device to help focus light rays in the desired direction.

Sounds like a poor development compared to what we have now right? But in truth, this was the breakthrough. If this feat hadn’t been achieved, we probably would have never advanced into today’s culture of photography.

The First Permanent Photographic Images

The first permanent images were created in France by Joseph Nicephore Niepce in the late 1830s. Joseph used a portable Camera Obscura to expose a pewter plate that was coated with bitumen to light. This action recorded the first image in the history of photography that didn’t fade immediately.

Due to his success in creating the first image, myriads of experiments occurred which led to the rapid development of photography as the invention of Daguerreotypes, emulsion plates, and wet plates simultaneously occurred mid-to-late 1800s.

The Widespread use of Cameras

Photography remained an expensive and timely practise for many years – something that was reserved mainly for the wealthy or upper class. Because of the equipment costs and chemical costs (to develop the images) it wasn’t something that ordinary people could partake in or experiment with.

Well, not until George Eastman started up a company in the 1880s called Kodak – ring a bell?

George Eastman invented a flexible roll film that didn’t need its solid plates to be changed frequently. This invention allowed him to create the self-contained box camera that was able to hold approximately 100 film exposures.

Users of this product would record pictures and send back to the factory that they can help develop the films and print the images. They were like modern disposable cameras, but much more complex and a little pricier! But still, the camera was one of the first that made the activity affordable. This affordability broke the jinx of cameras being accessible to only the rich and elites in society.

Photography Becomes a Hobby and Career

Over the following decades, photography changed drastically – and devices became smaller, smarter and cheaper. People of all backgrounds in the 70s 80s and 90s, could go out and buy cameras, whether it was an expensive SLR camera, or a cheap disposable film camera. Local business and pharmacies could even offer film processing, where the wait time was as little as a day for prints.

People starting using photography to mark important occasions in life, such as birthdays, weddings, events and parties – and soon a career in photography was a viable choice for many with a creative eye.

Digital Age of Photography

The next stage, naturally was the introduction of digital photography. Camera companies began to experiment electronically and technically – by replacing traditional systems with digital / electronic alternatives.

This led to a huge influx in digital cameras, which took off immediately. The digital aspect of the camera meant buying film, and paying for processing fees were a thing of the past – so it made photography cheaper still, as people could now print their images from the comfort of their own home.

It also made people take more photos, and capture more moments. Whereas a traditional film camera would likely store around 30 images per roll of film, a digital camera usually stored above 200 (depending on the size of the memory). It meant people could be more candid and creative, as they no longer had to worry about wasting film.

Smartphones

Fast forward to 2019, and we’re all carrying a camera around with us… via our mobile phone. Smartphones were the ultimate photographic evolution – merging a camera with many other crucial day-to-day devices and compacting it into a small, easy to carry size.

Smartphones opened up photography to the masses, and encouraged people who may not ever have used a camera, to experiment with image capture. Photographs were easily uploaded to the internet and social media platforms – and images can now be shared with a network of friends just minutes after you’ve captured it.

It adds an element of excitement to photography, and can connect people from all over the world.

What does the Future hold for Photography?

Here are a few projections:

Virtual reality: It’s already making waves and showing a lot of potential as many industries aim to capture the VR magic with 360 photography. Digital photography has evolved from smartphones into virtual boxes and is still evolving as VR technologies are being released.

Photography Won’t Remain Static: Look at the invention of dynamic photo technologies like Apple Live Photos, DSCO, Instagram’s Boomerang, etc. Photography is shifting from 2D to 3D and it’s promising to be explosive.

A lot of things in life might have stopped evolving but the art of photography is still many years away from total evolution. The goal is to make photographic images as real as the original object taken, and whilst we may be close – there is still so much to be done.

Daily, steps are being taken, progresses are being made and researchers are working non-stop to ensure this goal is achieved. Brace yourself because you haven’t seen the best of photography just yet.