Evolution of Color Photography
The Ask
Select one reading from a list, write a response discussing the main insight or perspective gained from the reading, its significance to you as an artist or viewer, and the author's main argument, supported by evidence.
Skills
Research
Writing
Organization
Communication
The Process
For this paper, I first selected Katherine Bussard's article “Full Spectrum: Expanding the History of American Color Photography” from Color Rush: American Color Photography from Stieglitz to Sherman. I chose this reading because it ties in with our recent class discussions on color photography, and I was intrigued by the historical context that Bussard explores regarding the evolution of color photography.
My next step involved closely reading the article to understand the author’s main argument and key points. Bussard's exploration of how color photography, once dismissed as amateur or purely commercial, gradually gained acceptance as an artistic medium was a central theme. As I read, I took notes on significant historical moments such as the debut of the autochrome in 1907, the impact of Kodak's color film, and the role of magazines like Vogue and Life in integrating color photography into mainstream culture.
From Commercial Stigma to Artistic Legitimacy
Highlighting several major developments she outlined, such as the 1930s shift when color photography began appearing in prominent magazines, most notably Vogue and Life, and the influence of Color Sells magazine in promoting color images for commercial use. I also discussed the role of Kodachrome film, which revolutionized color photography for both professionals and amateurs, providing a significant technological breakthrough that allowed photography to evolve into a mainstream visual medium. I cited Bussard's example of Kodachrome’s widespread impact and its eventual presentation in museums, which cemented color photography’s cultural relevance.
Bussard also challenged the notion of “old” color photography being solely for commercial use and “new” color photography being seen as fine art. This idea particularly stood out to me, as it expanded my understanding of the history of photography. I took note of how she emphasized the gradual transition in which color photography, once considered low-brow and commercially driven, came to be respected in artistic circles. I discussed how curators like Kevin Moore in his 2010 exhibition Starburst: Color Photography in America 1970-1980 addressed this historical transition, pushing back against outdated categorizations of color photography.
The Outcome
This paper illustrates a deeper understanding of the evolution of color photography and its gradual acceptance as both a commercial and artistic medium. Through Katherine Bussard's exploration of color photography's history, I gained valuable insights into the key technological developments and cultural shifts that allowed color photography to transcend its initial stigma as an amateur or purely commercial practice. By examining milestones such as the introduction of the autochrome in 1907, the impact of Kodachrome, and the subsequent use of color in fine art and mainstream media, I came to appreciate the complexity of color photography’s journey. The paper also allowed me to reflect on how changing societal attitudes influenced the medium’s artistic legitimacy, further enhancing my understanding of photography’s broader cultural role. Ultimately, this reading encouraged me to view color photography not just as a technical advancement, but as a pivotal moment in visual culture, shaped by both innovation and evolving perceptions.