Assignment 1 PART 1 - Web 2.0 Photo Journal Blog

Back in the early days portraits and photography was simply just for people who had the upper class status, the aristocracy.  In the article, Precursors of the Photographic Portrait by Gisele Freund, the importance of a portrait in the early days was to confirm their social status both to themselves and the world. It showed to others they were powerful and wealthy. The similarities between portraits in the early days of photography and portraits today are to satisfy the clientele’s needs. The needs of the clientele must always be acknowledged and satisfied.  When portraits began in 1839, it was very costly; it was only when the demand on the middle class brought the prices down.  There was a time back then when the photograph and portraits were made and done in the studios. However, in this day and age a photo can be taken anywhere.  We are fortunate to be able to have technology to take a photo at any place at anytime. It took a long time for a photograph of a self portrait to process compared to our instant technology today. It allows you to have an instant picture in a matter of seconds. The difference between the portraits in the early days was only for status, whereas now photographs are taken for keepsakes, memories, vacations, and paparazzi. 

 I learned in Excerpt from A History of Photography by Lemagny and Rouille that there were two very different ways practiced during the 1850’s. There were two methods of photography.  One method was taken in the studio portrait, and the second photography  method was taken for outdoor work. 

The photographer was unknown. Monsieur de Silhouette was not the creator of the cutouts. He is remembered by his own personal style.  The word silhouette means figures seen in shadowed profile which is still taught and practiced in today’s society.

Technology has come a long way from the 1800’s. It has been advanced in many ways such as the processing speed of development, colour and size.  Photographs are chosen over portraits because it is more economical and quicker way to receive photos.  Technology has given us instant gratification. It allows us to explore facebook, twitter, and my space.  I find it amazing how much technology has changed over the years and will continue to change.

                                             A Photographer's set  in the 1800's.

                                                                           A Portrait from the 1800's.

                                                     A Photograph from today's technology