Capturing History: The Story of Photography

From ancient light chambers to digital cameras A journey through 200 years of innovation Year 7 Technology Studies

What is Photography?

'Photo' means light in Greek 'Graphy' means drawing or writing Photography = drawing with light The art and science of capturing images using light

Ancient Beginnings: Camera Obscura

Latin for 'dark chamber' Known to ancient Chinese and Greeks Light enters through small hole Projects upside-down image on wall Used by artists to trace drawings

Photography Timeline: Key Milestones

The First Photograph (1826)

Created by Nicéphore Niépce in France Called 'heliography' (sun drawing) Took 8 hours of exposure time! Image of view from his window Used bitumen on pewter plate

The Daguerreotype Revolution (1839)

Invented by Louis Daguerre First practical photography process Images on polished silver plates Sharp, detailed pictures Exposure time reduced to minutes Photography became popular

Film vs Digital Photography

{"left":"Uses chemical film to capture light\nImages stored on physical negatives\nNeed darkroom to develop pictures\nLimited number of shots per roll\nEach photo costs money to develop","right":"Uses electronic sensor to capture light\nImages stored as digital files\nCan see pictures immediately on screen\nThousands of photos on memory card\nNo cost per photo after buying camera"}

Photography Detective Challenge

Look at the historical photos provided Identify clues about when they were taken Consider: clothing, technology, image quality Guess the approximate decade Discuss your reasoning with a partner

Think About It

How has photography changed the way we remember events? What would history books look like without photographs? How do you think photography will change in the future?

Photography Today and Tomorrow

Smartphones put cameras in everyone's pocket Social media shares billions of photos daily AI helps edit and enhance images Virtual and augmented reality expanding Photography continues to evolve You are part of this ongoing story!