The Evolution of Photography
Photography is a vital part of the world of media. Nearly everyone has access to a camera in this day and age-most likely on their cell phones.
However, cameras have not always been so easily accessible over the decades.
This can be seen when observing the history of the camera.
Although the development of photography was begun in the early 1800’s, it was actually referred to as heliography.
As time progressed, so did the photo taking contraption. In 1885, George Eastman invented paper film and eventually started what we know as the iconic Kodak camera.
This was the first camera to hold both a focus lens and one shutter speed option.
Along with the kodak camera came new ideas and excitement for new technology in a new era. World War 1 came about and the camera that was most commercialized was the Leica 1.
The idea behind the camera was easy access and quick availability. This would also be the camera that bared witness to some of the most intense and memorable photos from World War 2.
History began to be documented through visuals, and it would eventually change the course of media forever.
When the 1900’s rolled around, the polaroid camera came out and eventually, more modernized digital cameras would come out as well.
What does Kodak have to do with this?
Kodak at one point was as well known and reveered as the company Apple is today. Kodak led the way for evolving cameras for photography.
Unfortunately, Kodak’s demise was within reach whenever the company refused to create any digital cameras without any type of film involved, which was the money maker.
Because of their inability to evolve with the times, they suffered great bankruptcy when companies such as Sony, Nikon and Canon began to rise.
However, with the rise of digital cameras came the rise for demand of photos along with news articles, reporting and magazines.
Why do Photos Matter?
Without the Leica 1 camera, there would be no way of visualizing World War 2 and all that the gruesome war images that came along with it.
Cameras were originally used to document important moments and/or people in history. This still rings true for photojournalism in today’s media.
The importance of visual storytelling is more important now more than ever. With so much speculation of fake news and untruthful reporting, it is vital that people are presented with hard photos to justify evidence.
Not only are cameras used to document mass events now, but they are rather used as more personal devices to document individuals in their daily lives.
With the rise of photography came the rise of visual social medias such as Instagram.
The quality and accessibility of cameras presents the question, “what makes my photos special?”
It is important that as individuals, journalists or photographers, everyone asks themselves if what they are displaying through the camera’s lens is true with context.
It is the job of the people and media to continue to present the truth in the best way possible with the most quality as possible so that we may then pass down our knowledge onto the next generation.
