Evolution of Photography to Commemorate Weddings

Introduction

World’s first photograph made in a camera (fig 1) was taken in 1826 by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce and from then on, the evolution of photography –– the art of producing and capturing images –– has developed in an extraordinary manner (Rosenblum, 9). It is still allowing us to capture moments and reshape the way we see ourselves and the world around us (Michael). This medium of limitless possibilities depended upon the technical inventions, experimentation, and sometimes just an unintended intervention. The evolution of the cameras and other equipment lead into new approaches, genres, aesthetics aspects, and styles adopted according to the need of the hour (Rosenblum, 9).

Evolution of Photography and Its Impact

Early evolution of Photography was witnessed between c.1840 - c.1900 around the world. During which, revolution of techniques like development of the daguerreotype, calotype, stereoscopic photography, wet collodion process, dry plate, photography of movement and early attempts at color were achieved. These early developments were the foundations for establishing the popular genres like Portraiture, Photojournalism, Documentary Photography, Naturalistic Photography, Pictorialism (Grundberg).

Development of Wedding Photography

But the developments in wedding photography was one genre that did not begin till later of that century. The wedding photographs of 19th century looked like any other studio portraits. It was the complete opposite to the wedding portraits that are captured today. The present photographs represent any bride and groom ceremony as a colorful, dynamic, beautiful and grand journey that they would embark upon. The photographs captures their happiness, sentiments and celebrate their oneness not only with their families but also with the whole world. To admire such a majestic journey it becomes necessary to emphasize with the limitations of the 19th century photography. The images were primarily gloomily dark, shadowy, and dimly lighted. Both bride and the groom are either sitting or standing side-by-side, with still, stiff and blank expressions. The reason behind this somberness was partly due to technology that required the couples to stay frozen for relatively long periods of times. And also due to the high cost of photography at those times wedding portraits remain within the circle of the royals and the upper middle class. The portraits taken in the studios was very formal because of the heavy and bulky camera equipment.

Conclusion

Most people only had one image that was presented on a glass, copper or tin plate which was very delicate. The pictures created were one of a kind and could not be easily reproduced. Wedding Photography has come a long way from its somberness. It has mainly made it this far because of people’s likeness towards capturing emotions and memories. Many well-known people have supported this medium and have made use of this technology. The very first public figures who exploited its potential was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, an international celebrities of the photographed world.

Works Cited

1. Grundberg, Andy. 'The Crisis of the Real: Photography and Postmodernism.' October, vol. 5, 1978, pp. 74-91. JSTOR.
2. Michael, Tim. 'Photography's Evolution: A Brief Overview.' PhotographyLife, 27 May 2021, https://photographylife.com/photographys-evolution-a-brief-overview.
3. Rosenblum, Naomi. 'A World History of Photography.' Abbeville Press, 1989.