History of Photography
The Ask
Develop a comprehensive project exploring the evolution of photography, where each week we analyze key photographers and their work, examining how their contributions align with our central rationale, tracing the journey from the origins of photography to the modern era.
Skills
Research
Visual Design
Critical Thinking
Organization
Communication
Historical Contextualization
The Process
At the beginning of the semester, I decided to focus my project on exploring what makes photography art. I was interested in examining the transition of photography from a mere tool for documentation to a respected medium for artistic expression. This rationale allowed me to explore the diverse ways in which photographers, over time, have used the medium to convey creative ideas, evoke emotions, and challenge perceptions of reality. I sought to understand how photography has been elevated to the status of art, considering both technical and conceptual factors that have shaped its evolution.
Weekly Analysis of Photographers
Each week, I researched and analyzed the work of key photographers, starting with the pioneers of photography, like Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot, and progressing through to influential modern-day photographers. For each photographer, I examined their style, technique, and contributions to photography. I also considered the historical and cultural context in which they worked, exploring how their work connected to the broader themes of the rationale.
Daguerre, Still Life, c. 1837
Fox-Talbot & Henneman, The Reading Establishment c. 1840’s
The Evolution of Photography and Artistic Movements
As photography evolved, so did the artistic movements that influenced it. One such movement, Pictorialism, emerged as a response to the sharp, technical precision that characterized early photography. It sought to elevate photography to an art form by focusing on mood, atmosphere, and artistic interpretation rather than mere representation. This transition is clearly visible in Edward Steichen’s In Memoriam, a photograph from around 1905 that I found particularly compelling in illustrating the shift toward photography as art.
In Memoriam features a soft, almost ethereal nude of a female model, believed to have committed suicide due to her unrequited love for Steichen. The image is haunting, with its blurred lines and delicate tones that suggest vulnerability, grief, and memory. Unlike the sharp, detailed photographs that were typical of the time, this image embraces a softness that challenges traditional photographic conventions. The ambiguity of the photo, with its dreamlike quality, leaves much open to interpretation and does not clearly convey a singular narrative. This lack of clarity was a significant departure from the straightforwardness expected in early photography, where technical precision and detail were highly valued.
Steichen, In Memoriam, c.1905
Fashion Photography and the Transition to Color
Fashion photography, often created in collaborative environments, serves both artistic and commercial purposes by showcasing garments while evoking mood. The introduction of color added depth and complexity to these images.
One example is Louise Dahl-Wolfe’s pioneering work for Harper’s Bazaar, where she used color to enhance the emotional impact of a photograph. In one image, the models are turned away from the camera, emphasizing their backs rather than the front or face, subverting typical fashion poses. This creates a sense of mystery and curiosity, with the rich colors contributing to the image's depth and narrative.
Another striking example is Edward Steichen’s Vogue cover, where his modernist approach adds dynamic energy. The model is captured in motion, throwing a ball, and the use of shadow highlights parts of the body, including the swim cap, drawing attention to details and adding visual intrigue. Steichen’s experimental, action-focused style creates a compelling visual story, not just showcasing a garment but also bringing it to life.
While fashion photography and color photographer were considered commercial, its collaborative nature allows for creative freedom, blending artistic movements like modernism with the need to market garments. This fusion of creativity and commercial intent has resulted in more dynamic, engaging images.
Dahl-White, c.1948
Steichen, c.1932
The Outcome
This project deepened my understanding of the evolution of photography, particularly how it transitioned from a purely technical medium to a powerful form of artistic expression. By exploring various artistic movements, I gained insight into how photography became more than just documentation, embracing creative techniques such as the use of color, composition, and abstraction.