Photo Internet Research

1. What is a daguerreotype? What did the surface of a daguerreotype resemble? When were they prominent? What photographic process did the daguerreotype replace?

       According to the dictionary, a daguerreotype is an obsolete photographic process, invented in 1839, in which a picture made on a silver surface sensitized with iodine was developed by exposure to mercury vapor. The surface of a daguerreotype resembles that of a mirror because images are formed on a reflective silver plate and has to be set at an angle when finishing as if “reflecting” a dark image. Daguerreotypes were prominent from 1840-1855. Daguerreotypes replaced  the photographic process of camera obscura.

     

2. What is an "albumen" print? What was the main "ingredient" of the albumen process? When did the albumen process die out?     

     An albumen print was the first profitable and notable method of developing a photographic print on a negative made of paper. The main “ingredient” of the albumen process was albumen found in egg whites to better fuse photographic chemicals together to the paper. The albumen process died out around the 1920’s.

    

3. What is a "stereograph?" When were they popular? 

A stereograph is a technique used to show depth in pictures by putting two 2-D images together to make a 3-D image when viewed by a stereoscope.

            

4. What is a "carte de visite?" What were they used for?

A carte de visite was a small albumen print, sometimes with writing and were usually used as photograph cards in the 1800’s.

          

5. Who were Matthew Brady and Alexander Gardner? They both are notable for what type of photography? When were they active? Post two noteworthy photographs for each photographer.

Mathew Brady was a famous American photographer in the 1800’s made famous by his photos of celebrities and recordings of the American Civil War. Alexander Gardner was a Scottish photographer in the United States in the 1800’s who also became famous from his photography of the American Civil War, along with photos of President Lincoln. They were active photographers in the 1860’s and continued some after the Civil War.

 
Mathew Brady



Alexander Gardener

Nicéphore Niépce

                                 

                          "View from the Window at Le Gras" 

A. Three or more specifics about this persons life (a short biography).

Nicephore Niepce was born March 7, 1765 and had two brothers and one sister. He had a short military carreer in the French Army, later resigning due to health issues and developed an interest in science. Other than the photograph, Niepce also invented the world's first internal combustion engine. Nicephore Niepce died on July 5, 1833 of a stroke, aged 68.

B. What photograph was he known for?

 The first photograph ever, (shown above) a "heliogaph" called "View from the Window at Le Gras". 

C. What was noteworthy and important about this photograph?
It was the first photograph ever created.

D. Where was the photo taken?

   It was taken in the window of Niepce's upper-story workroom at his country house, the picture is the courtyard outside his house.

E. How long did it take to make the exposure?
    It took 8 hours of exposure time.

F. What year was the photo taken? 
The photo was taken in 1827.

Extra credit: Where is the photo housed/kept today?

 It is on display at the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at the University of Texas in Austin, TX.