Photography's Unique History

  

The Photographs That Have Gone Before

I came across a quote the other day from Jonathan N Jones in The Guardian: "The thing about painting is that no good painting can be made in ignorance of the painting that went before. This is why painting is different from, say, photography which has no history in the sense that painting has. Painting is like classical music. It is a high art form."

After spending all day in contemplation of Mr. Jones remark, I begin to wonder if it is somewhat true.  The drawback with photography as an art form in this digital age is, a novice without any formal training, can produce unlimited snapshots by just snapping away with the camera on automatic.  This is all wonderful when the camera enthusiast realizes their endeavor for what it is, a hobby.  However, the problem arises when the novice tries to make the transition to fine art photography before perfecting the craft.

Without a grasp of "the photographs that went before" and the interesting history of photography going back as early as the 4th century BC, the medium becomes watered down and does appear to have no history.  Photography, whose medium is light, is both an art and a craft, originating around 330 BC and noted by Aristotle who questioned why the sun could make a circular image when it shined through a square hole. Later in its evolution, scientist Sir John F.W. Herschel in 1839 coined the word "Photography" from the Greek words meaning to draw with light. 

So photography originated not as an art medium but rather through the combining of several different technical discoveries while exploring the phenomenon of light.  It was much later and way beyond the 1820's after French inventor Joseph Nicephore Niepce's heliographs (sun prints) became the prototype for the modern photograph.

 I remember early in my photography career how difficult it was to become accepted by the fine art community.   The jurying committee for art shows and galleries would only consider the best copywork and portfolios, anything not meeting their high standards went straight to the trash bin. The presentation was most important, with prints of at least 16x20 inches framed with archival and conservation products to insure that the photograph would not deteriorate over time.

Today, I wonder where the standards of excellence have gone when I see countless photographs posted in the social media that are believed to be made better with more enhancing.  Forget about the sharpness of the image or the accuracy of colors in nature; just make them look like paintings and people go wow!

I always remember the humbling experience when I spent countless hours shooting what I thought was the perfect image and my mentor threw it back at me and said: "Go re-shoot!"

 

Now I am forever grateful for the hard knocks and learning experiences that developed me in to a professional photographer.  It is not just my reputation on the line when I present a photograph to the public; I am also carrying on my back all the photographs that have gone before. 

For more information:

 http://inventors.about.com/od/pstartinventions/a/stilphotography.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_photography

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

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Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

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No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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