Photography is the method of recording the image of an object through the action of light or related radiation on a light-sensitive material. It is an art form which was created in the 1830s, becoming publicly recognized in 1840s. Today, it is the one of the most popular hobbies as well as one of the large industries.

The word photography is derived from the Greek word photos (light) and graphein (to draw) and was first used in the 1830s. The first item that remotely related to photography was the Camera Obscura, Latin for Dark Room. It is believed that Obscura was invented in the 13th or 14 century. Camera Obscura is a dark closed space in the shape of a box with a hole on one side. It had to be small enough in proportion to the box to make the camera obscura work properly.

Through this, the images of the objects outside the room were projected on the opposite wall.

The very first photo was taken in 1825 by a French inventor, Joseph Neipce. It depicts a view from the window at Le Gras. Not much can be observed in the picture but it is hailed as the first photograph ever.

In 1839, Sir John Herschel coined the name Photography, as he came up with a way of making the first glass negative as opposed to metal, which was being used previously. The first publicly recognized portraits were usually portraits of either one person or family. They were usually used to aid the artist in their work and followed the same principles that they previously did. 

After decades of refinement and improvements, out came the Eastman’s Kodak’s camera in 1888 and started being mass produced. The Kodak Brownie was introduced in 1899, which became the first commercial camera in the market for the middle class. The camera took black and white photos only but was very popular due to its efficiency and ease of use.

The first practical color palette was introduced in 1905. Color photography, despite being researched throughout the 19th century, did not become feasible till the middle of the 20th century. The scientists previously were not able to preserve the color for long, as it would fade away by the passing minute. But beginning in the 1960’s color photographs became common.

About the Author:

Professional profile of the author Amita Vadlamudi can be found at the AngelList site. Ms. Vadlamudi’s articles related to food topics can be found at her Wix site.