KIMYA B. OSKAY

The 19th century was a transformative era for photography, as the world witnessed the rapid evolution of this revolutionary medium. From its early days with the Daguerreotype, the first widely recognized photographic process, to the advancements brought by the Calotype and Collodion processes, photography continually progressed, shaping the way images were captured and shared. As photography became more accessible, its popularity soared.

In the first part of this series, we explored the early history of photography, from the race to create the first permanent image to the partnership between Joseph Nicéphore Niépce and Louis Daguerre, which culminated in the invention of the Daguerreotype. We traced how photography spread across the world following its commercialization in 1839, with Daguerre’s name becoming synonymous with this revolutionary new medium. Alongside scientific innovations, the rise of photography was closely tied to its immediate commercial applicability, as it rapidly gained attention in newspapers and journals, setting the stage for its global influence.

Now, in this part, we delve into the transformative advancements that followed, marking the 19th century as a pivotal era for photography. From the refinement of the Daguerreotype to the groundbreaking developments of the Calotype and Collodion processes, photography continuously evolved, becoming faster, more efficient, and increasingly accessible. We also explore the growing popularity of photography, the rise of professional photographers, and how companies like Kodak revolutionized the industry, making photography a tool for the masses. This journey from invention to widespread use transformed photography into a cultural force that would shape the modern world.

Let’s dive in!

From the Daguerreotype to the Calotype and Collodion: Pioneering Innovations in 19th-Century Photography

In the early days of photography, the Daguerreotype reigned supreme, thanks in part to Giroux, Daguerre’s brother-in-law, who was able to reproduce the process. This breakthrough came after Daguerre and Isidore Niépce accepted a pension from the French government in 1839 to describe the method behind their invention. However, the world of photography didn’t stop there. As the 19th century progressed, the market rapidly evolved, leading to the development of more advanced and efficient cameras.

Two major innovations that shaped the future of photography were the Calotype and the Collodion glass-plate negative process. The Calotype, invented by William Henry Fox Talbot in 1840, was a significant leap forward. By the time it hit the market in 1841, it offered shorter exposure times compared to the Daguerreotype and, most importantly, allowed photographs to be printed and reproduced. These features helped the Calotype dominate the photography market for a time.

However, in 1852, Frederick Scott Archer introduced the Collodion glass-plate negative process, which took photography to the next level. This process allowed for even faster image capturing, ultimately surpassing the Calotype in popularity. Archer’s innovation dominated the photography market until the 1880s, solidifying its place in photographic history [1]. 

These innovations laid the foundation for modern photography, making it more practical, accessible, and influential worldwide.

Photography’s Rapid Rise: From 51 to Nearly 3,000 Photographers in 10 Years

The expansion of photography in the 19th century was not only marked by technological advancements but also by a significant increase in its popularity, especially in Europe. This rise is evident through the growing number of portrait photographers. In the 1841 census, photography was not yet recognized as a profession. However, by 1851, there were 51 registered photographers, and just a decade later, in 1861, that number had skyrocketed to 2,879 [2]. This surge reflected the rapid acceptance of photography as both an art and a business.

A key moment in the popularization of photography came in 1888, when the American company Kodak introduced lightweight portable cameras[3], accompanied by the now-famous slogan, “You press the button, we do the rest” [4]. This development marked the beginning of photography’s transformation from a specialized practice to a widely accessible medium [5]. However, despite this breakthrough, the early Kodak cameras initially failed to meet the expectations of professional photographers and bourgeois enthusiasts. The limitations of roll-film technology led to subpar image quality, which deterred these higher-end users.

Recognizing this challenge, Kodak shifted its focus. The company adapted its marketing strategy to appeal to the general public, aiming to democratize photography by making it accessible to everyone, not just the privileged or professionals. Before this, developing photographs required significant knowledge of chemistry and access to darkroom facilities. Kodak revolutionized the process by removing these technical barriers and simplifying the camera, allowing even those without technical expertise to take and develop photographs.

Kodak’s true breakthrough came with the introduction of the portable Brownie camera in 1900, priced at just $1. This affordable and user-friendly camera brought photography into the hands of the masses, fundamentally changing the market [6]. The company’s strategy of targeting everyday consumers, rather than professional photographers or upper-class enthusiasts, reshaped the landscape of photography for the next several decades. By making photography accessible to the general public, Kodak played a pivotal role in its widespread adoption, transforming it into a popular and enduring cultural practice.

In summary, Kodak’s approach to simplifying and marketing photography to the masses was revolutionary. The company’s innovations not only made photography accessible but also laid the groundwork for the mass use of the medium in everyday life, a shift that would define the photographic industry throughout the 20th century.

Concluding Photography’s 19th-Century Journey from Niche Craft to Global Phenomenon

The 19th century marked a defining era in the history of photography, characterized by rapid innovation and widespread adoption. From the early dominance of the Daguerreotype to the transformative inventions of the Calotype and Collodion processes, photography advanced at an unprecedented pace, becoming more efficient, reproducible, and accessible. These developments not only reshaped the technology but also expanded the reach of photography across Europe and beyond, as seen in the dramatic rise in the number of photographers during this period.

The introduction of portable cameras by Kodak, particularly with the breakthrough of the Brownie camera in 1900, revolutionized the way people interacted with photography. No longer a niche practice limited to professional photographers and bourgeois enthusiasts, it became a part of everyday life for the masses. Kodak’s strategy of simplifying the process and making it affordable brought photography into the hands of millions, paving the way for its lasting cultural and artistic impact.

In essence, the evolution of photography during the 19th century—from a specialized craft to a popular medium—set the stage for the modern world’s visual culture. These innovations laid the foundation for photography as we know it today, influencing both how we capture moments and how we see the world.