We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

History of Photography

Photography is the art, application, and practice of creating images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film.

Read more

Photography is the art, application, and practice of creating images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film.

History of Photography

The history of photography begins in the early 19th century, with the development of the first practical photographic processes. These processes were based on the discovery that certain chemicals could be used to create images on paper or other surfaces when exposed to light. The first permanent photograph was created in 1826 by the French inventor Nicéphore Niépce. This photograph, known as the "View from the Window at Le Gras," is considered to be the first photograph in the world.

In the years that followed, photography quickly became more popular and accessible. New photographic processes were developed, and cameras became more affordable. This led to the widespread use of photography for both personal and commercial purposes. Photography was used to document important events, to create portraits, and to capture the beauty of the natural world.

The Impact of Photography

Photography has had a profound impact on society. It has changed the way we see the world, and it has played a major role in the development of art, science, and communication.

Photography has been used to document important historical events, such as the American Civil War and the World Wars. It has also been used to capture the beauty of the natural world, and to create portraits of people from all walks of life.

Photography has also been used to develop new technologies, such as the motion picture camera and the television. It has also played a major role in the development of art, and it has influenced the way we see and think about the world.

Learning About Photography

There are many ways to learn about photography. You can take classes at a local community college or university, or you can enroll in an online course. You can also learn about photography by reading books, articles, and blogs. There are also many online resources that can help you learn about photography, such as tutorials, videos, and forums.

No matter how you choose to learn about photography, the most important thing is to practice. The more you practice, the better you will become at taking photographs.

Careers in Photography

There are many different career opportunities available to people who have studied photography. These careers include:

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalist
  • Commercial photographer
  • Portrait photographer
  • Wedding photographer
  • Product photographer
  • Fashion photographer
  • Nature photographer
  • Documentary photographer
  • Fine art photographer

The skills and knowledge that you gain from studying photography can also be applied to other careers, such as:

  • Graphic design
  • Web design
  • Marketing
  • Journalism
  • Education

Online Courses in Photography

Online courses can be a great way to learn about photography. Online courses offer a variety of benefits, including:

  • Flexibility: You can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
  • Affordability: Online courses are often more affordable than traditional courses.
  • Convenience: You can access online courses from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Variety: There are many different online courses available, so you can find one that fits your learning style and interests.

If you are interested in learning about photography, online courses can be a great option. Online courses can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in a career in photography.

Is an Online Course Enough?

Online courses can be a helpful learning tool, but they are not enough to fully understand a topic. Online courses can provide you with the basics of a topic, but you will need to do additional research and practice to develop a comprehensive understanding of it.

The best way to learn about photography is to take a combination of online courses, traditional courses, and hands-on experience. This will give you the knowledge, skills, and experience you need to succeed in a career in photography.

Share

Help others find this page about History of Photography: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in History of Photography.
A leading researcher in photography, Liz Wells has made this book an ideal exploration of photography's position within the art world and its wider cultural significance.
A collection of contact sheets from some of the most iconic photographers of the 20th century.
An exploration of the history and development of the camera, from its origins in the 16th century to its modern digital incarnations.
The philosopher Walter Benjamin anticipated many features of digital photography in his seminal essay from 1931.
James Elkins, an art historian, explores the history, semiotics, and philosophy of photography in an accessible and thought-provoking book.
A collection of essays that explore the changing nature of photography in the digital age.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser