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Take a Brief Journey Through the History of Photography

World-renowned auction house Christie's has paid tribute to the history of photography, following the first time humanity was able to records events all the way through today's digital landscape and its connection with the blockchain.

First spotted by Fstoppers, Darius Himes, International Head of Photographs, presents a video that looks back at the very beginnings of photography as a medium and how scientific and historical context shaped its journey to where it is today. He describes photography as "one of the most diverse and exciting mediums of the past 200 years."

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Invented in the 1830s, photography was first born as a breakthrough in optics and chemistry. This invention gave the world a "new pair of eyes" and the ability to record events and reproduce them for books and journals for the first time.

This development coincided with a big boom in travel as well as social and political turbulence, making the Civil War the first conflict on American soil that was recorded through the lens. Numerous photographs have been preserved from that period, giving future generations an insight that had never been possible before.

Christie's Auction House. Possibly by GEORGE N. BARNARD (1819-1902). [View of a Soldier Watering his Horse] Bull Run, Blackburn's Ford, Virginia, c. 1861-1862As the techniques advanced, photography entered into the art sphere more prominently and prompted experimentation by artists of the time. Each photographer left an imprint on the industry - be it a new experimental technique, an intimate look into their thought process, a daring subject or theme, or simply the raw reality of the time.

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When color film became available in the 1930s, photographers swiftly adopted the new type of photography, especially in fashion, advertisement, and pop culture. Similarly, the rise of digital photography later in the century opened up a world of endless possibilities, eventually leading to the introduction of blockchain -- a digital ledger of transactions -- into the art world.

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Christie's YouTube video briefly touches on numerous photographers and artists who have left a significant mark on this medium and the art world as a whole and are still celebrated to this day.

More videos about the history of the art world can be found on Christie's YouTube page.

#culture #industry #inspiration #art #arthistory #christies #christiesauction #photographyforall #photographyhistory #photographyindustry

Take a Brief Journey Through the History of Photography

From the first recorded image through today's digital landscape.

Happy World Photography Day! A Look Back on Its Origins and Impact

Happy World Photography Day! Today is a special day that celebrates the art, science, and history of photography. Here's a look at how it all began and the impact photography plays in our lives today.

Celebrated on 19th August, World Photography Day is an annual worldwide celebration of the visual medium that plays an integral part in how we see the world around us. To pay homage to photography means looking back at history, celebrating the achievements and possibilities of the present, and looking forward to what it has yet to bring to the world.

Why was August 19th chosen as the date? It goes back to August 19, 1839, the day the French government officially announced the invention of the daguerreotype -- a photographic process that was developed by Louis Daguerre, a French artist and photographer -- and made it freely available to the rest of the world. For the first time, people were given the ability to capture and preserve history instead of relying on lengthy and imperfect methods such as painting.

The first authenticated image of Abraham Lincoln, a daguerreotype of him as U.S. Congressman-elect in 1846, attributed to Nicholas H. Shepard. Library of Congress, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

From that point on, photography processes and tools have continually developed and become more easily accessible. We have gone from pioneering processes with chemistry on plates to easily loadable films to completely digital photographs.

Gone are the days when camera owners would be required to wait days to receive their captured photographs; today we have access to instant images that can be immediately shared and viewed by people all across the world, showing the beauty of the natural world, current events, cultural differences, artistic expression, and more.

It is all too easy to forget the journey that the photography process has taken but there are many "firsts" in the photography world, with some of the most notable ones shared by Data Search in the video below. Photography has helped the world document many scientific, political, and cultural milestones that contribute to a deeper understanding of our past and help build more informed paths to take in the future.

Although photography tools weren't always accessible to the general public, major breakthroughs over the decades have introduced photography into the everyday lives of those who simply wanted to capture memories and special moments spent with friends and family, not just photography professionals. This has led to photography being enjoyed now by amateurs and professionals alike, resulting in a prediction by Rise Above Research that the global number of images taken will soar to 1.4-trillion photos this year.

In today's world, photography helps us learn more about events, places, and people from different parts of the world that we might not ever personally encounter in our lifetimes. Photojournalists, street photographers, documentary photographers, and every everyday folk contribute to sharing rich visual stories.

In the art world, fine art, still life, and portrait photographers give the audience a glimpse into their creative minds and ideas, while working commercial professionals help businesses share their brand identity and products with the customers.

Photography can also enhance the physical and mental well-being of anyone who is willing to give it a go. There are no rules in personal photography and all you need access to is a camera of choice -- whether it is a smartphone, an old film camera, a modern DSLR camera, a new mirrorless camera, or anything else that is available -- even a soda can with photo paper inside.

A simple photowalk, either alone or in a group, in your local area or farther afield, can relieve stress and turn the attention towards capturing mundane moments in interesting compositions. The process of getting in "the zone", where the mind is intensely focused on a particular activity, is beneficial to both amateurs and professionals. All it takes is picking one or a few ideas for the photowalk or simply capturing anything that brings satisfaction.

Turning the camera on the people close to you also creates memories for the future, creating a window that future generations can look back through, the same way long-lost photographic family archives from decades ago are appreciated today. Using a smartphone or a camera, and with the guidance of a few simple tips, photographing children or family members at home today will create images that will be cherished for years.

Similarly, picking an activity that brings pleasure, such as traveling to other countries or enjoying the serenity of the landscape, and combining that with photography of any skill level can make the experience unforgettable and rewarding.

Once you have captured photographs you're happy with, you can consider editing the images and enjoying them either through sharing with others or printing them out for personal viewing pleasure.

Opportunities and ideas in the photography world are endless, which makes it such a great visual medium in which everyone can find something that appeals to them, irrespective of their experience or equipment.

Image credits: Stock photos licensed from Depositphotos

#culture #educational #news #beginner #beginners #history #photographyday #photographyforall #photographyhistory #photographyindustry #worldphotographyday

Happy World Photography Day! A Look Back on Its Origins and Impact

For World Photography Day, this article looks at the history of photography and the importance this visual medium plays in everyday life.

Adobe Rising Star Anna Neubauer Focuses Her Lens on Inclusivity

In its annual tradition, Adobe has announced a list of talented and extraordinary photographers who have been named as 2021 Adobe Rising Stars of Photography. One of them, Anna Neubauer, has shared her insight on what it means to her and how she breaks away from industry stereotypes with her photography.

The Rising Stars of Photography has been one of Adobe's prominent initiatives in the photography space for several years now. Selected from across the world and from different photography genres, the photographers explore themes ranging from conservation to cultural expression to racial identity and natural phenomena.

All of this year's honored photographers have something in common -- they document a pivotal moment in our history. Adobe says the images of their highlighted photographers reflect wonder, beauty, and resilience during a time of global change.

This year's list comprises travel and food photographer Calvin Hu, adventure and underwater photographer Inka Cresswell, street photographer Amanuel Tsegaye, outdoor and wildlife photographer Rachel Hannah, street photographer Susanna Knyphausen, conceptual photographer Andrew Kung, landscape photographer Brandon Dugi, portrait photographer Anna Neubauer, fashion photographer Banvoa Ettien, and landscape photographer Frank Otto Pedersen.

Megan, Adobe Lightroom commission

The United Kingdom-based Neubauer, originally from Austria, tells PetaPixel about her experiences being named one of Adobe Rising Stars of Photography. From the first time she started using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom at the age of 13, these visual tools have been a big part of her life and creative career.

Isabella for 'Kaleidoscope', personal project

Although she never imagined she will be named in the lineup, Neubauer says she is beyond honored and grateful to see her name on the list, although she doesn't define herself or her work in awards or titles.

"I recently saw a post on Instagram that said ‘the real flex is how many peoples’ lives you can positively impact.’ and I couldn’t put it better," says Neubauer. "For me, this is the chance to get my work out there and share stories of people that inspire me, hoping to inspire others."

Her portrait work not only spans across commercial projects and commissions, but also her own self-portraits, where she can fully express what she feels within. Her personal work shows things that she probably wouldn't verbally share with just anyone, such as her hopes, dreams, and visions, as well as her nightmares, fears, and phobias.

Megan and her sister Mia, Adobe Lightroom commission Lauren, personal project Mac, Adobe Lightroom commission

She finds inspiration in many things around her but is especially driven by music, be it the artist, the melody, the lyrics, or the album art.

"In addition, I’m inspired by peoples’ stories, their hopes and dreams, and fears, and I’m incredibly grateful when someone trusts me with portraying something so intimate," she says.

When it comes to commercial work, Neubauer says she enjoys working with "diverse models, people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, body types, sexual orientations, and abilities."

Photography is an incredibly powerful tool that helps shape how society sees the world and the people within it, which is why Neubauer finds traditional stereotypes bothersome.

Ariana, Cayson, Clara, Izzi, Jordana, Katerina, Maisie, Sahar and William for 'The Story I Heard', personal project Olivia for Zebedee Management Cheryl for Zebedee Management

"As a photographer, I can show how beautiful differences are and contribute to a more open, diverse, and inclusive society," Neubauer says. "I have the power to redefine representation and drive inclusivity within photography."

As Neubauer's client list grows, Neubauer has found in her recent projects that working with big clients -- such as, Abercrombie & Fitch, Adobe, Harper's Bazaar, Kid's Wear Magazine, GettyImages, and others -- doesn't mean that she needs to change her style or stray away from what she stands for.

"I’m consistently up for challenges and new collaborations, and I love being artistically fulfilled by regularly working on creative projects."

Kofi for 500px/Getty Images Intersectional Diversity Callum for Zebedee Management

More information about 2021 Adobe's Rising Stars of Photography initiative can be found on the company's blog page. Neubauer's portfolio can be viewed on her website and Instagram.

Image credits: All images featured in the article by Anna Neubauer and used with permission.

#industry #news #adobe #adobelightroom #adobephotoshop #adoberisingstars #annaneubauer #photographyindustry #talent #talented

Adobe Rising Star Anna Neubauer Focuses Her Lens on Inclusivity

Adobe has announced photographers featured on its 2021 Rising Stars of Photography initiative, with a brief interview with one of them.

Photo industry is coming back to life after COVID-19, survey shows - DIY Photography

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on everyone and photographers are no exception. In fact, our industry was severely hit last year when 75% of photographers said they’d had all their gigs canceled due to the pandemic. Thankfully, it seems that the sunshine after rain is coming this year. According to a recent survey […]