If you frequent this site, there's a pretty good chance you love photography. But how much do you actually know about its origins? Most of us rightfully jump to the camera obscura when thinking about the beginnings of photography, but how did we get from there to today's modern cameras? Have you ever wondered what the first photo ever taken was of? Or what the world's first color photo was of?
I have good news for you, because the Cooperative of Photography (a photography apparel manufacturer and online magazine about photography) hit us with a video that gives a quick five-minute run-through of the history of photography. You may be surprised to learn how long ago the first digital camera was created, what the first "photoshopped" photo was, why we owe France a big old "thank you," and who took the world's first selfie.
I have little doubt that almost everyone will learn some tidbit of information from this video, but don't make the mistake of thinking that you will learn the whole history of photography. A lot is missing in this timeline, as I'm sure you will see from the the numerous "you forgot to mention..." comments that will undoubtedly arise. What significant milestones and contributions do you see missing?
via [COOPH]
I didn't learn anything new, but I did spend a good portion of my 9 years in college studying photography. Flew to NYC for my birthday one year to visit the Met, ICP, and the NY Public Library. They had an original copy of How The Other Half Lives by Jacob Riis on display. That completed my paper on photojournalism.
Photography OCD.