STILL

PHOTOGRAPHY
SEMESTER 2
UNIT 1

HI COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
UNIT 1

HI COLLEGE
 PHOTOGRAPHY: DEFINITION, MEANING &
CONCEPT
Photography is a form of visual art that involves capturing light and other
electromagnetic radiation, such as X-rays, using a camera or other light-sensitive
devices. The term 'photography' comes from the Greek words 'phos,' meaning light,
and 'graphia,' meaning drawing or representation.

Now, let's break down the definition, meaning, and concept of Photography:

1. Definition: Photography can be defined as the process of creating images by

recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically (digital
photography) or chemically (traditional photography using film).

Example: When you take a picture with your smartphone, you're using digital
photography. It captures light and converts it into electrical signals, which are then
processed to create the final image.

2. Meaning: Photography is a medium of communication and expression, allowing

us to document, share, and interpret the world around us. It can be used for various
purposes, such as art, journalism, science, and personal memories.

Example: Ansel Adams, a renowned photographer, used photography as a means

to showcase the beauty and grandeur of nature through his black and white
landscape photographs.

3. Concept: At its core, photography is about capturing a moment in time, freezing

it, and then interpreting it. It involves understanding the relationship between
light, composition, and subject matter to create a visually appealing and
meaningful image.

Example: When you take a photograph of a sunset, you're capturing a specific

moment in time when the sky displays a range of colors due to the interaction of
light with Earth's atmosphere. Your choice of composition, exposure settings, and
other technical aspects will determine how effectively you convey the beauty of
that moment.

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 BRIEF HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography, a term derived from the Greek words 'phos' meaning light and
'graphé' meaning drawing or painting, emerged as a medium to capture and
represent reality through light. The history can be broadly divided into several key
periods:

1. Camera Obscura (circa 5th century BCE): The concept of projecting an image
through a small hole onto a surface dates back to ancient Greece. Artists used this
natural phenomenon to sketch more accurately.

2. Invention of the Daguerreotype (1839): Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre, a French

artist, invented the daguerreotype process, which used silver-plated copper sheets
to create a unique, highly detailed image. This marked the beginning of practical
photography.

3. Calotype and Negative-Positive Process (1841): British inventor William Henry

Fox Talbot developed the calotype process, which used paper coated with silver
iodide to create a negative image. This allowed for multiple positive prints from a
single negative, paving the way for mass reproduction.

4. Dry Plate Process (1871): The dry plate process, invented by Richard Leach
Maddox, replaced the cumbersome glass-based wet collodion process with a
more convenient and portable gelatin-based emulsion.

5. Kodak Camera and Film (1888): George Eastman introduced the Kodak camera,
which used roll film, making photography more accessible to the general public.
The motto "You press the button, we do the rest" symbolized the ease of use.

6. Color Photography (1907): The Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis, invented
the Autochrome process, the first practical method for producing color
photographs. It used glass plates with microscopic grains of potato starch dyed
red, green, and blue.

7. Polaroid Instant Photography (1948): Edwin Land introduced the Polaroid

camera, which developed and printed photos within minutes, revolutionizing
photography and making it even more accessible.

8. Digital Photography (1975): Steven Sasson, an engineer at Eastman Kodak,

invented the first digital camera, marking the transition from analog to digital
photography.

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9. Smartphone Cameras (2000s): With the advent of smartphones, high-quality
cameras became integrated into everyday devices, making photography more
ubiquitous and instantaneous than ever before.

TYPES OF CAMERAS: DIGITAL VS FILM

1. Digital Cameras:
Digital cameras use digital sensors to capture images. These sensors, known as
CCDs (Charge-Coupled Devices) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-
Semiconductor), convert light into electrical signals. These signals are then
processed and stored as digital files, usually in JPEG or RAW format.

Advantages:
a. Instant preview: Digital cameras allow you to see the image you've captured
right away on their LCD screens.
b. No film costs: You can take an unlimited number of photos without worrying
about film rolls or processing fees.
c. Easy editing: Digital photos can be easily edited on a computer using photo
editing software.
d. Sharing: Sharing digital photos is convenient, as they can be emailed or
uploaded to social media platforms.

2. Film Cameras:
Film cameras use light-sensitive photographic film to capture images. When you
take a photo, light passes through the lens and exposes the film, creating a
negative image. This film then needs to be processed and developed in a darkroom
or sent to a professional lab for printing.

Advantages:
a. Authentic feel: Many photographers appreciate the unique look and feel of film
photography, which can produce richer colors and better tonal range.
b. Film types: Different film types offer distinct characteristics, allowing
photographers to choose the best option for their desired outcome.
c. Analog charm: Film photography enthusiasts enjoy the process of loading film,
taking shots, and waiting for the developed prints, which adds to the overall
experience.

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TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHY: PORTRAIT, WILDLIFE,
NATURE, ADVERTISING, FASHION, NIGHT
PHOTOGRAPHY
1. Portrait Photography: This type focuses on capturing people's expressions,
emotions, and personalities. It's essential to understand lighting, composition, and
how to make your subject feel comfortable to create engaging portraits.

Example: A professional headshot or a candid photo of a friend laughing.

2. Wildlife Photography: This genre involves capturing animals in their natural

habitat. It requires patience, skill in using long lenses, and an understanding of
animal behavior.

Example: A majestic lion in the African savannah or a playful penguin in Antarctica.

3. Nature Photography: This type encompasses all aspects of the natural world,
including landscapes, plants, and weather phenomena. It demands an eye for
detail, composition, and an appreciation for the environment.

Example: A breathtaking sunset over a mountain range or a close-up of a delicate

flower.

4. Advertising Photography: This type is used to promote products or services,

often in a commercial context. It requires a strong understanding of lighting,
composition, and the ability to work with clients to achieve their vision.

Example: A glamorous photo of a new perfume or a mouth-watering image of a

restaurant dish.

5. Fashion Photography: This genre showcases clothing, accessories, and models in

various settings. It involves capturing the essence of fashion while considering
lighting, composition, and styling.

Example: High-end fashion magazine spreads or lookbooks for designer brands.

6. Night Photography: As the name suggests, this type is all about capturing
images during nighttime or low-light conditions. It demands knowledge of camera
settings, long exposure techniques, and light painting.

Example: A cityscape illuminated by neon lights or a starry night sky with a

silhouetted landscape.

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