The History of Photography: From 1839 to the Present by Beaumont Newhall

The history of photography is a fascinating and complex story. From its invention as a device to capture light and create images in the middle of the 19th century to its development into an art form that has become an integral part of people’s lives over the next 160 years, photography has had a tumultuous yet evocative history. In The History of Photography: From 1839 to the Present by Beaumont Newhall, readers are given insight into the evolution and diversity of this medium.

The History of Photography begins with a detailed explanation and overview of the early photographic experiments of the 18th and 19th centuries. Newhall chronicles the development of inventive processes and technological advances made by inventors such as Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, Louis Daguerre, William Fox Talbot, and Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre, who helped establish and popularize photography as a viable artistic pursuit. He then traces the growth of commercial photography, discussing the development of portable cameras and the introduction of flash photography in the late 19th century. This commercial boom saw the rise of professional photographers such as Adolphe-Eugene Disdéri, who developed the carte-de-visite, and Alice Seeley Harris, who used photography to capture colonial atrocities in the Congo.

The second part of The History of Photography covers the development of photography as an art form, focusing on the emergence of aesthetic and documentary approaches. Newhall examines the impact of photographers such as Alfred Stieglitz, Man Ray, and Edward Weston who, through their work and advocacy, helped to establish photography as a serious pursuit for creative expression. He also investigates the development of modern photography, discussing the effect of new technologies such as digital photography and the internet in the 21st century.

The third part of The History of Photography documents the impact of photography on culture and society. Newhall considers the rise of photojournalism and how it has been used to capture important events around the world, and discusses topics such as censorship and the ethical implications of photographing vulnerable subjects. He explains the role of photography in politics, using iconic images to illustrate how photographs have been used to shape public thinking and understanding.

Finally, Newhall looks at the future of photography. He examines the key issues affecting the medium such as photography in the age of social media, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the potential for photography’s use as a tool for activism and awareness.

The History of Photography offers an in-depth overview of the development of photography from its invention to the present day. It provides an accessible and informative guide to the changing nature of this medium and its influence on culture. It is essential reading for any aspiring photographer or those passionate about understanding the history and development of photographic technologies.