A brief look at the story of photography, the technology, techniques and the art.

The book covers the beginnings of photography even before film, the camera obscura as described by Aristotle. In the early 1800s, recording the images with chemical became possible with the early daguerreotype process, and so the photography industry began. Being released in the 1970s means that digital photography is not covered at all. A year after the book was published in 1974, in 1975 Kodak made the first digital camera prototype.

The author notes the conflict between painters and photographers about whether photography can be considered “art”.

Many famous photographers are mentioned, including Nadar (aka Gaspard Felix Tournachon) who was also a balloonist; the interest combination starting off aerial photography. Which is what I love about photography, it can be combined with almost any interest, hobby or industry. Its uses range from medicine to outer space, its impact has been huge on science and society.

Conclusion

A brief introduction to photography. It’s a quick read, taking about two hours, but interesting enough to keep the reader engaged. There are many examples and illustrations showing the art and technology of photography.