For many of us who have been photographers for a decade plus, we learned about the history of photography either through tattered books from the library, in school while earning a fine art degree, or just by picking up small tidbits here and there as we met other photographers. Thankfully, that has all changed now. With much appreciation to the George Eastman House, we can now find a wealth of fascinating information about the traveled photographic process online.
In the 12-part Photographic Processes Series, the histories of many different types of processes are examined. Through example pieces, demonstrations, and interviews with historians and curators, these videos are an excellent way to enrich yourself with photo knowledge. From the experimental beginnings of photography, to cyanotypes, to digital photography; you’re in for one awesome adventure.
You can check out the full chapter lineup below to continue watching:
Chapter 1 - Before Photography (Shown above)
Chapter 2 - The Daguerreotype
Chapter 3 - Talbot's Processes
Chapter 4 - The Cyanotype
Chapter 5 - The Collodion
Chapter 6 - The Albumen Print
Chapter 7 - The Platinum Print
Chapter 8 - The Pigment Processes
Chapter 9 - The Woodburytype
Chapter 10 - The Gelatin Silver Process
Chapter 11 - Color Photography
Chapter 12 - Digital Photography
[via Reddit and George Eastman House]
The Eastman House does so many good things for photography and its history. I love that place.
This is an interesting history of photography. But Eastman House is so darned depressing at the end of Chapter 11 - Color Photography that I may have to take Prozac. Film, B&W and color is still alive; Fuji is the only manufacturer of color slide since Kodak killed color slide, but they still make color negative.
I have a DSLR that I use, but I will continue to use film also as long as film is made and my cameras still work.
I know this series was made with today's ADD generation in mind, but the whole history showcased there could've been condensed into one video, roughly 60-70% the total combined length of those videos, once you delete the intros and endings. Sheesh!
Although Mr. Hightower's comments seem logical, the warning at the end of Chapter 11 is quite real. Don't count on Fuji to save the day, even though they have gone out of their way to do so. Publicly owned companies need to appease their shareholders, first and foremost. Film is a very endangered species.
I do hope that film remains viable. Kodak UK Pension Fund is producing Kodak's portfolio of photographic films. Interviews that I read of Ilford executives say that they are committed to producing film; but their specialty is B&W film.
I would like to think so as well, but things don't look so good:
http://photorumors.com/2014/12/15/fujichrome-velvia-100f-120-film-discon...
Glad to see Nick Brandeth's face on there!