Portraits in the early days were more labour intensive and difficult to produced. They were also comparatively more costly when taking into account dollar equivalencies then and present day. It also required more than one person to complete the portrait process. Photography was revolutionized when Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre invented a way to capture images on highly polished silver plates of copper. In the early years of photography portraits took longer to produce due to longer exposure times. This also meant that having a portrait done was far more time consuming and uncomfortable for the subject being photographed. The subject must remain completely still or their photograph would be ruined and come out with a smudged appearance. Photographs can now be taken in seconds and printed within minutes of taking the photograph. Photography now is more instantaneous and easily produced and mass produced for a fractional cost. Mechanically speaking, virtually anyone can have a portrait done by anyone with a camera. It is now possible to take photographs of yourself within seconds. Anyone can take multiple pictures of themselves within a 30 second span, where as in the past, taking one portrait took considerably longer and required more than one person.
The subjects of photographers were usually important figures or the wealthy since they were the only ones who could afford to have portraits taken. Portraits were not only more costly, but were also a reflection of one’s social status. Some say that the rise of photography (including portraits) coincides with the rise of the middle class, which would undermine aristocracy. This is because people were demanding the same rights and privileges as aristocrats. This included portraits which were originally exclusive to the rich and powerful. Now, anyone, regardless of social class or status can have their portrait taken at a minimal cost. Portraits are no longer a reflection of social status. They have lost that original connotation. Portraits can be mass produced quickly and cheaply by virtually anyone.
Evita Peron
(This is what I meant by "anyone" can get a portrait done.)
Photography was not a common career in the 1850s. There were only a handful of “miniaturists” as they were called. As time went on, the number of these artists rapidly grew until it became a very popular art form and career for some. Now anyone with a camera and some training can call themselves a photographer. It is not a highly technical skill to take portraits like it was in the past. It no longer requires more than one person to take a portrait.
Technology has helped improve the quality speed and cost of portraits through out history. It has also helped improve the quality of the pictures we take now. We can take photos of objects far away, or up close with ease. It has also allowed for shorter exposure times, allowing portraits and photos to be produced and reproduced more quickly. It has also allowed us to take higher resolution pictures which allow the photographer to showcase and highlight specific details. It has allowed photographers to add effects, and correct photo faults (eg. red eye, blurry images, low lighting). Technology has made it simple to manipulate photos in virtually any way imaginable. It is now possible to super impose photos on a variety of objects other than photo paper, for example, posters, mugs, t-shirts, even metallic surfaces. Most of all, technology has allowed for photography to be more portable and convenient. It has allowed for photography to be more spontaneous, and indirectly, more creative.
Works Cited
2 Precursors of the Photographic Portrait by Gisele Freund
Excerpt from A History of Photography by Lemagny and Rouille
Excerpt from A History of Photography by Lemagny and Rouille
Photo Credits
www.thedaglab.com
http://www.photohistory-sussex.co.ukfunnyphotos.net.audagprocess.htm
www.voiceseducation.org
www.funnyphotos.net.au
www.funnyphotos.net.au
www.techxo.com
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