Photography

Photography is the art or process of making pictures by means of a camera that directs the image of an object into film made sensitive to light.

History of Photography

Photography can be traced back to ancient times when “camera obscuras” were used to form images on walls in dark rooms. The images were formed through the use of pinholes. By the 16th century, this method of photography improved by enlarging the pinhole and adding a telescope lens to the hole. By 1816, the process welcomed the addition of photosensitive paper in order to create a more permanent image. Throughout the decades, the process continued to evolve, and in 1934 Fuji Film was founded and began making cameras and lenses. Today photography can be done via the use of digital cameras, film cameras, video cameras, cell phones, and even web cameras.

Film Photography vs. Digital Photography

The decision to use a traditional film camera instead of a digital camera for your photographs is more of a personal choice. Several factors may contribute including type of photograph, such as landscape, family photo, or travel, and the type of “definition” or quality you're looking for. There are, however, several advantages to using one over the other. With digital photographs, you can erase (delete) the photograph if you don't like it and try again. You can also make adjustments through the viewer before you take the actual photograph. Also, digital photographs can be stored on a computer, on a disk, and in print, and you never have to buy film. With film photographs, once you take a photograph, it cannot be deleted—you will have to use another shot if you want to take it over again. Also, purchasing film can be costly.

Photography Styles

There are many different types of photography styles in existence today such as recreational photography, commercial photography, and art photography.

• Recreational photography is basically for fun. The novice photographer will use photography to take amateur family photos, snapshots, and photographs during travel, parties, and social gatherings.
• Commercial photography is a big business and covers everything from advertising and modeling to weddings and other elaborate events. There are virtually no limits to the types of commercial photography in the world today.
• Art photography, much like painting and sculpting, takes talent and skill. Art photography may include the photographing of landscapes, nudes, animals, plants, or anything that the artists views as beautiful or unique.

Photography Costs

The cost for photography depends on a wide variety of factors including whether you decide to use a digital camera or traditional film, the quantity and quality you're interested in, and whether you are seeking the help of a professional. If you're taking photographs with a traditional camera, costs may range from a few dollars for film to over $100 for film. Again, this depends on the type of camera, type of film, quantity, etc. If you're taking digital photos, costs may vary greatly depending on device, storage, photo paper, etc.

By Michelle Burton