The challenges of early photography
I can describe some of the challenges of early photography and compare these with photography today.
The challenges of early photography
I can describe some of the challenges of early photography and compare these with photography today.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Early photography was not like photography today, which is quick, easy and available to everyone.
- Not everyone could afford a photographer to take their picture, but it was still cheaper than having someone paint you.
- Early cameras were complicated, big and bulky compared to today's cameras and smartphones that can take photographs.
- Early cameras took a long time to take a photo, meaning people sitting for photographs had to stay very still.
- Early photographs had to be developed using very complex processes involving chemicals and equipment.
Common misconception
Pupils may assume that people in the past used phones and tablets to take photographs.
Show pupils the various devices that have been used in the past to take photographs and how they have evolved.
Keywords
Developed - Photographs taken with old cameras had to be developed using camera film and special liquids to make prints of the image on paper.
Camera film - camera film is a roll of plastic that is stored inside the camera.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
someone who studies and writes about the past
someone who takes photographs
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a roll of plastic coated with chemicals that is used to develop photos
a substance used in or produced by a chemical process
when photographs are made ready for people to see
prints out photographs immediately
shows you photographs on a screen