What are main differences and similarities between portraits in the early days of photography and portraits today?
The main difference between portraits taken in the early days and today are the photo method. In the early days photos were taken in a more physical art form through paintings. This form would take hours just to capture the intricate details of the object and was also costly. Photos during the early days were only known to those of high economic standing. Now, we take photos of those in high positions to provoke a thought or statement. Today, the love of detail can be captured within seconds and multiple times with hours.
In the 20th century not only are we allowed to embark on the works of depth, colour, and sharpness within an image, we are also able to contour an image to look as though it has been dated. Photos can now show not only still images but the actual motion at the time it was taken. Similarly, photos are still used to capture a story, relive a moment, and for artistic purpose. They will always stimulate a thought process and continue to be used a stamping ground for historic recollection.
Who was the photographer and who was the subject of photographs in the past and today?
The photographer in the past was usually someone who was an artist or had a background in art. The photographer had to be able to bring to life with hand strokes the image being viewed. It would be much more difficult to position the object so that the most intricate details can be displayed. Photos nowadays are still taken by those that a keen eye for detailed vision, but with less hassle to capture the image. Of course there are those who take photos just to capture a moment, but a true photographer will always remain as one who captures the picture within the moment.
I believe the subject of photography has always remained the same. The subject is anyone and anything that is intriguing to the photographer and that is able to compose the thought process in the mind of the photographer. In the past photos were taken mostly of those in a high social class, to lock in historic moments, and for artistic visionary. Today, we use subjects of the same manner only with more advancements and for greater uses such as science and advertisements.
 | ||||
| Madame Guillotine Epoque Party"1910" <http://madameguillotine.org.uk/2010/09/10/la-belle-epoque-party> 
|
What was the impact on technology on the portraits in the past and today?
Technology has increased drastically since the beginning of photography, what once was very one dimensional is no constructed with many layers. In the past photos were very vague and lacked color, depth, and resolution. Now images can be manually constructed to fit the photographer. Such as different aperture modes, ISO configurations, white balance, and distortion images. In the past such dimensions and structure were only possible with the mixing of paint colours. The advancement of technology has traveled light years compared to what it was in the founding years. For example the Speed Graphic Camera that was introduced in 1912 become popular with its range finder and focusing, but loss points for its weight ;contributed to the large flash bulb holder. Today, there is a broad range of cameras to fit every skill level, some more complicated than others. The interesting thing is that some cameras in todays modern technology are making use of many features of the past. They are configuring todays point and shoot method, to more intricate detail for example eliminating auto focus and the option of manual settings.
No comments:
Post a Comment