Assignment #1: The role of portraits in the early days of photography and portraits today
1. What are main differences and similarities between portraits in the early days of photography and portraits today?
The main differences are convenience and subject. In the past, taking a picture was really complicated, and had to spend lots of time. According to photography slice#8 week 1 it said “People used to stand for hours in-front of the equipment in order to get their images taken”. Also people recognized the way of capturing is for only puissant people or wealthy people, and their photograph got to be monumental thing. Since 19th century, photography has developed and the way to take a picture has gotten more convenient. Everyone can take a photo and keep it as their memories. Even though technology of photography has changed, but only one thing does not change that is purpose of taking a photo. There are two main purposes to take a picture. One is to inform the moment to the people. The other purpose is to keep the moment as memories. Depends on situation, the intention of taking a picture changes, but those two core purposes will not change.
2. Who was the photographer and who was the subject of photographs in the past and today?
In the past, subject of photographs are powerful and wealthy people, and their pictures were handled by an artistic photographer, because at that time photography required high skills.
Gisele Freund said, “Subject people were usually the middle classes who have political and economic power”. Subject of photograph and qualification of photographer had lots of restrictions. On the contrary, by developing technology, taking photos does not demand high skills and it got to be simple. Because of those alternations limitations of subject disappeared. To be a photographer still need some qualifications, but the main difference is everybody can take a picture whenever, whatever, or wherever they want. And it does not have special privilege any more.
3. What was the impact on technology on the portraits in the past and today?
By developing technology it gave huge impact on portraits such as quality of photograph, and convenience. First, the qualities of photographs change. In the past picture’s color was black and white, so it couldn’t provide reality very well. However, by developing technology capturing became a reality more and more. Also people can adjust their appearance through computer program which is as well known as photo shop. They can express them more handsome and beautiful with retouching. Sometimes it might happen to show exaggerated features, it can be happen because of development of technology. Secondly, photographic equipment has invented since 19th century, it got to be really convenience. People can take a picture whenever and wherever they want with their own camera. Variety of photographic equipments makes people handily.
Reference
Danilovic, Sandra. “GHUM 1078: Course Notes Week 1: Lecture slides: Why Photography”. George brown College.WebCT.
Danilovic, Sandra. “GHUM 1078: Learning Activities: Module 2: Precursors of the Photographic Portrait by Gisele Freund”. George Brown College. WebCT.
