André Kertész: A Master in Photography

“The camera is my tool. Through it I give a reason to everything around me.”- Andre Kertesz Photographers play a key role in the society. They have a vision and a goal to help portray an image from their point of view. From the way they take pictures, to the place they take pictures; they are all unique in some way. One of the most recognizable photojournalists from the past includes André Kertész, a Hungarian photographer born on July 2, 1894 known for the many contributions to photographic work of art and the creation of the photo essay. Throughout his life, he felt his work was unrecognized by many, by taking his own camera angles and using a different approach towards his photography style. Kertész took photos that told stories and always believed he needed to be invisible while taking photos. He moved around to many places trying to rebuild his reputation in the industry after getting his work published only in magazines. André Kertész international success was soon to be discovered by people around the world.

Underwater Swimmer, Esztergom, 1917, André Kertész

One of the most famous works of André Kertész includes the “Underwater Swimmer” which was taken in 1917, when Kertész was wounded during the war. He took this photo from his hospital bed, and wanted to capture photos of distortion. If you take a look the image, it is distorted because the water alters the man’s body swimming the water, and shows different contrast of everything underneath. This photographed opened the doors for Kertész to take even more distorted photos. He did not manipulate his photos to show distorted effects. His friends quoted “You are crazy. Why did you photograph this?” I [Kertesz] answered: ”Why only girlfriends? This also exists”. This was something unusual for a photographer to take a photo of during those times, but is perfectly normal nowadays. Drawing attention and making others talk about a certain photograph which you take, is an effective way for a photographer to become more recognizable.

The Fork, or La Fourchette, 1928, André Kertész

Another one of André Kertész famous work includes the “The Fork” which was taken in 1928, during the French period of his career when he moved to Paris. The fork and plate is used as an everyday utensil during our everyday lives, however the way the fork is positioned portrays a shadow. The shadow is what captures the viewer’s attention and can mean that what we do in our everyday lives also hides something. Although this photo was not likely positioned this way and was taken out of surprise, the photographer can still take the same shot another time since it’s only objects, and not human beings.

Lilly of the Valley, 1928, André Kertész

“Lilly of the Valley” was also a photo taken in 1928 during the French period of Kertész’s career. The photo show’s a local vendor on the street giving a flower to a lady walking right by him. You can see the facial expression of the vendor and the way his body is positioned. It shows the life experience of a vendor on the streets selling or giving away flowers. He wants the lady to take the flower desperately. André Kertész was able to able to capture the shot during the right moment and the right time, as he does with all his other photos. It’s almost impossible to recreate this scene unless it’s staged.

André Kertész is still highly recognized in photography industry today. He has worked for several different magazines companies including Vogue and Look. His work was displayed throughout different museums across the world after his death on September 28, 1985. The most unique part about his photography was that all his shots were black & white and not altered. From the brightness, to the contrast, everything remained the same from when he took the shot. Not only did he capture images of human life, structures or objects, he was able to show feelings and emotions through his photography. During his time, no other photographers were able to tell stories through photographs. He was not considered a journalist, but instead a successful photojournalist. As a photographer, Cartier-Bresson who had a similar approach as him influenced Kertész. Nowadays, modern day photographers are influenced by André Kertész’s work. The different approach he took in photography, helped shape his career and become admired by other, even though he still felt unrecognized before leaving earth.

The following photos were taken using André Kertez’s style of photography:

Playing to Live, Downtown Toronto
Photo Credit: Osamah Asif

By my side, Downtown Toronto
Photo Credit: Osamah Asif

The first image is of a young girl playing the francophone in the streets of downtown Toronto. As the public walked by on the sidewalk, they witnessed a talented musician. They felt the urge to drop spare change into her instrument’s case. Not knowing she was going to be photographed, I was quickly able to capture an amazing shot during the right moment in time. With her hands playing the instrument, a smile on her face, and eyes on the man bending down dropping change. The girl had a positive facial expression and a unique posture, which makes this image come to life. The way she’s dressed also makes it authentic by giving a more modern look, since people are very fashionable these days. This photo can easily be compared to “Lilly of the Valley” taken by Kertez because that image shows a man on the streets trying to make contact with the women walking by, but instead this photo shows the opposite, a young girl trying to make contact with the man. Besides changing the image to black and white, nothing else was manipulated to make it into a Kertész type photo. With the technology nowadays, it’s impossible to take black and white photos immediately on our digital cameras, unless we change the settings or edit them later using a photo-editing program.

The second image was also taken in the streets of downtown Toronto, of a young couple walking on the sidewalk. The photo was not staged, just like all of André Kertez’s photos. I was able to capture this photo during the right time. The main focus here is on the couple because they’re the center of attention. We can see them holding on to each other and looking at their surroundings. The area was being used for a movie set, which is why it shows a police cruiser not from Toronto. There’s also a man walking away right in front of them, who is more blurred out compared to the couple. Usually photographers would alter the photo and crop him out, but it’s best to portray the truth. This image was also changed to black and white, since all of Kertész’s photos were black and white. Besides that, everything else remains the same. People might view this photo and instantly think of “love”, but I see this as “supporting and caring” for a special someone from my point of view. Both photos are not watermarked on purpose, because none of the photographers watermarked their photos before compared to now. Photographers want to be more recognized for their work these days.

More photos from other photographers influenced by André Kertész's style:

Photo Credit: Marcus Kartel


Photo Credit: Andy Morley-Hall


Photo Credit: Jesse Marlow


Other famous photographs by André Kertész:

Shadows of the Eiffel Tower, 1929, André Kertész

Distortion #40, 1933, André Kertész

Clock of the Academie Francaise, 1929, André Kertész

Man Reading with Magnifying Glass, New York, 1959, André Kertész

Sources:

Andre Kertesz's Quote

Andre Kertesz's Biography

Encylclopedia Slides on André Kertész

Wiki: André Kertész

Short Bio of André Kertész

Week 10 Course Slides - Capturing the moment: Kertesz and Cartier-Bresson

Alterations in Journalistic Photography

In today’s world, the main impact of photo alterations on journalistic photography can be very misleading and can portray an untruthful message towards the public. Whether it’s photographs being published in the newspaper or images being broadcasted on national television, altering a photo is unethical. Sarasota Herald of Herald-Tribune mentions that, “The power of documentary photography is based on the fact that real moments are captured as they happen. Anything done to alter the process, before or after the image is recorded, diminishes that power and turns it into a lie.” (Poynter Online) Journalistic photography also refers to journalism. In order to prove if an event had occurred, photojournalists capture still images to tell a story. Thus, any photo alterations can result in altering an individuals thoughts and show disbelief in society towards journalism.

In some cases, altering photos on journalistic photography is only done to improve the quality of certain images. It is mandatory for traditional photojournalists to follow these guidelines (St.Petersburg Times):

1. Adjustments to any image will be limited to standard industry "dodging and burning" practices to accurately reflect the scene which was photographed.
2. No colors will be altered from the original scene photographed. This includes excessive changes in density and saturation levels.
3. Backgrounds cannot be eliminated ("burned down") or aggressively toned under any circumstance.
4. All original digital images must be downloaded into Pix Box for editing or review if necessary. When transmitting on location, original files will be downloaded upon return. All printouts for editing will be from original digital camera files.
5. Cloning (rubber stamp tool in Photoshop) can only be used as a touch up tool for excessive dust or other imperfections.
6. All photos prepared for contests will follow the Observer's photo correction guidelines and should be toned as originally corrected by the photographer.
7. Photo illustrations are the only format where our correction guidelines do not need to be followed. The image must clearly be an illustration (not confused with a documentary image) and labeled photo illustration.
8. Backgrounds of an image will not be dropped out or cloned without the specific approval of a photo editor during the page design process. These images should be bylined as photo illustrations.

To insure accuracy of the image before readers view the photographs, it’s the publisher’s responsibility to not mislead people about the many events and stories. Shifting from reality to fiction will not only confuse the public, but will lose integrity over journalistic photography. Therefore, manipulating journalistic photographs should be strictly prohibited.

Past Photo Manipulation Issues

In the photos below, shows Nikolai Yezhov present in the original photo. Stalin has this photo retouched later on for propaganda purposes, which longer portrayed Yezhov's presence. Nikolai Yezhov was shot in 1940.

Kliment Voroshilov, Vyacheslav Molotov, Stalin and Nikolai Yezhov at the shore of the Moskwa-Wolga-Channel. After Yezhow was tried and executed he vanished between 1939-1991 from this image. (1937)
Photo Credit: Unknown

In the photos below, Taiwan's newspaper Liberty Times published a photo removing Wang Shaw-lan from the original. After being questioned about the "unethical" edited photo, they said she was "not an essential presence" and in order to shrink the picture for "better display".

A photo with Wang Shaw-lan present, third from left. Francis Chang, chairman of Franz Collection Inc., is shown between Wang and Pope Benedict. (2008)
Photo Credit: Franz CollectionSources:
Photo manipulation
Journalism
Photography Schools: A Brief History of Photo Tampering Throughout History
St. Petersburg Times Guidelines to Publishing Photographs
Image Act Theory

DB 11 - Presentation Week 11: Kertesz and Cartier-Bresson versus Smith and Salgado

Everything is a subject. Every subject has a rhythm. To feel it is the raison detre. The photograph is a fixed moment of such a raison detre, which lives on in itself. - Andre Kertesz

Behind the Gare Saint Lazare, 1932

To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It's at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual - Henri Cartier-Bresson

Behind the Gare St. Lazare (1932)
Photo by Henri Cartier-Bresson

What are the main differences and similarities?

The difference between the two different types of photographers is that Andre Kertesz & Henri Cartier are both "invisible" while taking photos whereas Eugene Smith & Sebastiao Salgado are not. Being visible changes the meaning of the photo as it does not portray true feelings, emotions, gestures, of the person being photographed. Kertesz & Cartier-Bresson restrict themselves from manipulating their photos, whereas Smith & Salgado do not. They take their photos in the darkroom instead during the post production process to change the lightening, quality, etc. to bring out the untruthful meaning they believe in. A story which they form from their own point of view, where as Smith & Cartier-Bresson portray the true story and leave the picture as it is.

The similarities between all photographers is that they wanted to portray a story in all of their photos. Wether it was portraying an truthful story or not, they had a meaning in every photo they took. They did not have any limits as to what they wanted to photograph, wether it was life, or events that occurred around them. Their names became popular in the photojournalism, and as a result, their all successful.

I've never made any picture, good or bad, without paying for it in emotional turmoil. - Eugene Smith

The Walk to Paradise Garden Photo by Eugene Smith

It’s not the photographer who makes the picture, but the person being photographed. - Sebastiao Salgado

Firefigters at Work
Photo by Sebastiao Salgado

What’s the better journalistic approach?

Andre Kertesz and Henri Cartier-Bresson definitely have a better journalistic approach. Kertesz and Cartier-Bresson's main goal was to capture photos of reality and send a meaningful and honest message along with their photographs. They were both invisible while taking photos to capture truthful life experiences of people. As a result, they showed no interaction with the audience and believed in being as quite as possible when capturing photographic shots. The society wants to know the truth, and they only way to find out the truth is if the photographer documents reality which will not be altered before publishing. Photojournalists have to play an important role, so they must follow the code of ethics of the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA). Photo manipulation is stritctly prohibited and unethical during the post production process using a dark room or Photoshop (digital editing program) because altering photos can portray a complete different meaning of the photo and the viewers thoughts.

Sources:
Andre Kertesz's Quote
Henri Cartier-Bresson's Quote
Eugene Smith's Quote
Sebastiao Salgado's Quote
Week 10 Course Slides - Capturing the moment: Kertesz and Cartier-Bresson
Week 11 - Presenting the moment: Eugene Smith and Sebastiao Salgado

Press Photography Versus Art Photography

News photography teaches you to think fast. - Weegee

Sidney Crosby celebrates his game-winning goal in overtime Sunday, giving
Canada the gold medal with a 3-2 victory over the U.S. in Vancouver, B.C.
Photo by Chris O'Meara/The Associated Press

Prime Minister Stephen Harper greets U.S. President Barack Obama
upon his arrival on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Feb 19, 2009.
Photo by Fred Chartrand/Canadian Press

Press photography has been around for years. Everyday, we come across press photography in the media, whether we’re reading the newspaper, flipping through magazines, checking out blog sites, surfing the Internet or watching television. The two photos I posted above are photographs that have been headlined in the news within the past year. The first photo was (taken by Chris O'Meara) on February 28, 2010 when Sidney Crosby of Team Canada scored the game-winning goal during overtime beating Team USA and winning the gold medal in hockey during the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. This was a major event that occurred in Canada, where all media and television broadcasters had gathered to take photographs or footage of the most anticipated hockey game during the Olympics. By looking at this image, viewers can say that Sydney Crosby’s facial expression, gestures, and position portrays a victorious moment in time. The second image (taken by Fred Chartrand) is of Prime Minister Stephen Harper greeting President Barack Obama when he visited Parliament Hill in Ottawa on February 19, 2009. This was also another special moment in time, because it was the first time when the newly elected president visited Canada to talk about the economy and other future plans with the prime minister. Press photographs are photos of events that occur at a certain time. Once the opportunity passes by for the photographer to take a certain shot, it will never come back. The images are usually in the public's eye within a short period of time, to show an event occured the day before or the day of. The raw images are never edited or altered, because they’re taken to show evidence, which a certain event actually occurred on this day and time. For example, if a photographer changed the background of the second photo and cropped out the Canadian Mountie standing behind (in the middle), it is not longer considered a press photograph. Photojournalists are required to follow the NPPA Code of Ethics and portray truthful accurate images to the public when publishing and broadcasting photos. If images are altered, it can change the public’s thought process.

I am a perfectionist. When I take a picture...it's gotta be good - Weegee

Matching Socks
Photo by Jeff Harris

60 Watt Bug
Photo by Hamnah Asif

Art photography has influenced many photographers to create their own vision during the photo-taking process. Although, art photography is quite different from all other types of photography such as press, commercial, fashion, they all have the same goal, which is to “get the viewer to buy the image.” Make the viewer believe in the photo and reflect certain thoughts in their minds. The first art photo above taken by an inspirational Toronto photographer (who is currently fighting cancer) Jeff Harris and shows him doing laundry matching different pairs of socks. The image does not portray a main event that cannot be published in the news, but instead it’s from the photographer’s point of view. Jeff Harris can go take the exact same shot a couple days later if he wanted too. My sister Hamnah Asif took the second photo above, when a lady bug was in her bedroom on the lamp. From her perspective, she felt that this was an interesting shot to see nature on something we use in our modern day life, light. Artful photographs can be taken at different times and can have their own headlines, unlike press photographs. The photos can be altered and edited using Photoshop, because they do not have to prove any event or topic, but instead change the viewers thinking. Many different art photographers will have millions of ideas and visions in their mind, but press photographers will have similar ideas between one and other.

Press photography and Art photography have a few similarities. Both types of photography can be of anything. Whether it’s of people, nature, landscape, buildings, fashion, etc. Both photographers are able to create a vision and goal of what they’re trying to capture to portray to the audience. The photos are realistic and meaningful for the viewer.

Sources:
Sidney Crosby's overtime goal gives Canada Olympic gold in a 3-2 victory over the U.S.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper greets U.S. President Barack Obama
National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)
Wegee Quotes
Week 10 Course Slides - Capturing the moment: Kertesz and Cartier-Bresson
Fine Art Photography

Shooting the truth: Photojournalism

What's the role of photo journalism?
The role and idea of photojournalism originates from journalism. Journalism involves reporting events by written words. Whereas photojournalism involves portraying accurate news through photos, by collecting many images, then editing the images and broadcasting them in the media, including newspapers, magazines, books, or television. This is a visually effective way to portray a meaningful story behind the image. Timelessness (to portray a meaning behind recent events), objectivity (to insure the images are official and represented accurately) and narrative (by combining facts to give viewers and readers a better understanding) are the key objectives that help distinguish photojournalism from other types of photography that exist today such as documentary, street, or celebrity photography.

Are there rules that photojournalists should follow? Why? Why not?
Yes, there are rules that photojournalists should follow. In Gordana S. Icevska’s essasy “Shooting the truth: How Photographers In The Media Betray Us”, it states the Code of Ethics of the National Press Photographers Association.

Here are a set of rules photojournalists and people who manage news production should follow on a daily basis:
1. Be accurate and comprehensive in the representation of subjects.
2. Resist being manipulated by staged photo opportunities.
3. Be complete and provide context when photographing or recording subjects. Avoid stereotyping individuals and groups. Recognize and work to avoid presenting one's own biases in the work.
4. Treat all subjects with respect and dignity. Give special consideration to vulnerable subjects and compassion to victims of crime or tragedy. Intrude on private moments of grief only when the public has an overriding and justifiable need to see.
5. While photographing subjects do not intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek to alter or influence events.
6. Editing should maintain the integrity of the photographic images' content and context. Do not manipulate images or add or alter sound in any way that can mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.
7. Do not pay sources or subjects or reward them materially for information or participation.
8. Do not accept gifts, favors, or compensation from those who might seek to influence coverage.
9. Do not intentionally sabotage the efforts of other journalists.

The points listed above are just a set of guidelines that all photojournalists should follow. At the end of the day, it’s the photojournalist's responsibility to ensure timelessness, objectivity and narrative.

Is the ethics of taking journalistic photos different than the ethics of writing a news story?
Taking journalistic photos and writing a news story follow a similar set of guidelines. However, they both have a different publishing and broadcasting process before headlining news to the media. When a journalistic photo is taken, the photographer takes the photo, and then needs to ensure that the image is not altered after, but only enhanced (ex. changing brightness, contrast) and still portray its original meaning. When a news story is written, the process involves an individual writing a story, then proof reading it numerous times, changing any grammar or spelling mistakes, and then publishing it in the media for the public to read or view.

What's the impact of altering press photographs? Should they be edited (at all) in postproduction?
Altering press photographs should not be allowed because it can change the viewer’s perception and can impact the society in many ways. Photographs can be altered to a certain extent, and depending on its use of purpose, these changes can be very limited. Taking someone out of the photo, or placing someone in the photo, changing the background or structures, altering facial expressions and features, are all examples of alteration which are strictly prohibited as stated in the list of guidelines all photo journalists should follow. As mentioned before, only limited alteration should be done in postproduction which includes changing the brightness, contrast, etc. just to improve the quality of the image.

Photography by Famous Photojournalists

President Obama takes the oath of office in this scene from
the Capitol looking toward the Washington Monument.
Photo Credit: Stan Honda

Nguyễn Ngọc Loan executing Nguyễn Văn Lém on February 1, 1968.
Photo Credit: Eddie Adams

Gandhi
Photo Credit: Margaret Bourke-White

Union army in Washington, D.C.
Photo Credit: Mathew Brady

"Dying" Rwanda 1996: A child waits over his dying mother on the road to Kigali during exodus of Hutu refugees to Rwanda.
Photo Credit: Carol Guzy

Sources:
Photojournalism
Journalism
Photography Schools: A Brief History of Photojournalism
Shooting The Truth: How Photographs In The Media Betray Us (Essay) - By: Gordana S. Icevska

Photo Manipulation

Poverty - Karachi, Pakistan (July 2009)

Original Image - Photo Credit: Osamah B. Asif

Edited/Altered Image

Last year, I traveled to the city of Karachi (Pakistan) for the month of July to visit my family and cousins back home. I was hesitant at first, whether to take my digital camera (Fujifilm Finepix z10fd) or not on my month long trip due to the country’s environment and to avoid the risks of my camera getting lost or stolen. However, I ended up taking my chances because I felt that taking pictures would be the only way to bring back memories of this trip in the future. After all, this could be me my last time visiting the country.

The image you see below was taken at a local supermarket in the city of Karachi where vendors sold food, clothes, toys, etc. I saw a young boy sitting on the floor with his arms crossed over his legs, and took a shot of him from the side. After getting his attention, he looked back and smiled. I went up to him and took another shot of him. Young and uneducated kids in poverty like this boy were usually workers for other people. Looking back at this image now, gives me the urge to want to go back and help kids that are stuck in this type of lifestyle.

To edit this image, I used Adobe Photoshop CS4. Looking at different photography tutorials on the Internet, the “Dramatic Gritty” effect caught my attention and I felt that it would be perfect for this type of picture. After editing this image, it made the picture more dramatic and gritty. The main focus is now on the boy’s eyes and facial expression. It’s more clear and brighter than before. It also looks like the boy has aged more. I chose this effect because I feel that the picture now has a true meaning behind it, and portrays how children are living through the struggle and poverty overseas.

For the "Dramatic Gritty Effect" Tutorial: Click Here

Remembrance Day - Downtown Toronto, ON (November 11, 2009)

Original Image - Photo Credit: Osamah B. Asif

Edited/Altered Image

In the month of the November, I attended the Remembrance Day ceremony where thousands of people gathered in front of City Hall in downtown Toronto. At first, I was unaware of the event, but luckily, a good friend of mine called me the night before and asked if I could attend with her. I couldn’t say no, because I knew for a fact that it would be a good opportunity for me to take photos with my two-month-old Nikon D40 SLR camera.

The image you see below was taken during the ceremony when the soldiers were gathered listening to the many speeches given by the mayor, veterans and other important people. I was standing in a restricted area, which the security gave me access too thinking I was from the media. From the angle I was standing, I wanted to get a good shot of the Canadian flag, however my camera lens could not zoom in that close. Instead, I ended up getting an amazing shot of the soldiers below Canadian flag.

To edit this image, I used Adobe Photoshop CS4 again. This time I used the “Movie-Like” effect on this photo. After editing the image, the picture looks like it’s a clip from a historic movie. Adding the sharpness and darkness changes the mood and portrays a more serious feeling. The black bars on the top and bottom makes it look more official.

For the "Movie-Like Effect" Tutorial: Click Here

Sources:
Photoshop Frenzy - Dramatic Gritty Effect
Ebin - Move-Like Effect

Can art be mechanically reproduced?

When something is reproduced for so many times is that art? What's the importance of the mechanical reproducibility of the art? What was the impact on mechanical reproducibility on the society?
Of course, when something is reproduced for so many times, it’s still considered art. As Edgar Allen Poe quotes, “Were I called on to define, very briefly, the term art, I should call it "the Reproduction of what the senses perceive in nature through the veil of the mist.” Everyone looks at art from his or her own perspective and senses images in their own way. Many famous paintings and photos have been reproduced from the past to show a modern version of the original. A photo of a building, object or person can be reproduced by retaking similar shots of the original from different angles, altering lighting (day or night time), and special effects to portray certain moods or feelings. The importance of mechanical reproducibility of the art has made a big impact in our society. We are in an era of digital reproduction, and have the advanced technology and ability to reproduce an image of the original. There's no longer an “original”, since there have been so many copies, it’s very difficult to tell the difference between the original and replica. For example, genuine money is produced, along with counterfeit money in the black market. But the different security features the government has added on throughout the years has proved how are society is improving day by day to help prevent illegal activities.

CN Tower - Night & Day

Is photography art, or contribution to the art? Is it just a tool used by artists?
Photography is considered ART. As human beings, we vision things from different point of views. A photographer will use different positions, gestures, lighting and effects to capture certain motions in time, whereas a painter will use different shades and colours of paint to draw a certain vision. Whether it’s a picture or a painting, there’s still a meaning behind it at the end of the day.

Rainbow Eye

How and why Henry Pitch Robinson created Feading Away? What was the reason?
Henry Pitch Robinson created Fading Away by using the five negatives in this one photo. It shows a girl dying of ingestion (known as tuberculosis) and depressed family members surrounding her. Robinson created this photo to portray the true and painful human experiences the family had to go through. It was very rare for photographers to take depressing photos like this one.

Robinson's Fading Away (1858)

Photography has impacted the world of art and influenced some changes in the area of accessibility to art. If mechanical reproduction created revolution, what is happening now with the digitalization?
Mechanical production has created revolution for digitalizing art and photography. Digitizing is becoming more common and everyone is depending on computers to edit images, videos, etc. Whether it’s to change the contrast, brightness, sharpness, and quality of a picture or to alter sounds, effects, and clips, in a video. Software products are being introduced in the markets such as new and enhanced versions of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Elements or Premiere that allows us to digitalize an image or video. The possibilities are endless…

Madonna - Before & After

Sources:
Art in the Age of Digital Reproduction
A History of Photography, by Robert Leggat: ROBINSON, Henry Peach

The role of portraits in the early days of photography and portraits today

The main differences and similarities between portraits in the early days of photography and portraits today were the types of photography or quality of images, and the purpose of use for the photos taken. In the 19th Century, there were different types of photography such Daguerreotype, Cyanotype, Waxed Claotype Negative, Salted Paper Print, Wet colodion negative, Albumen Print, and Carbon Print. Portraits in the past were black and white and did not portray as much details as they do now, since all of our photos are high quality in full colour today. The different angles we use to take our photos now were not common before, because photos were taken only of important people, places or architectures. The angles they used before were usually straight, and the hand gestures or postures of the individuals in the pictures were the same. Nowadays, you can take photos for anything or anyone, for any purpose in every position. For example, people use photography to capture special moments in life such as weddings, birthdays, graduations, etc. Companies use photography to take commercial photos of people, cars, products, etc. for advertisement or publishing purposes. People take pictures to remember the past events and moments in history, and that’s one of the same reasons we take pictures today. Not only do words help remember the day something important took place, but also pictures help visualize an image in one’s mind.

Portrait of John R. Connon standing beside a camera, [between 1860 and 1900]
Glass Plate Negative

Tina Fey in Vanity Fair Photographed by Annie Leibovitz

The cost of becoming a photographer in the past was very expensive. Today, anyone can become a photographer by buying a digital camera in the price range of $50 to $300+ plus. Professional photographers today spend a lot of time, money, and equipment to ensure their photos or their clients photos come out in high definition. Photography is no longer an expensive hobby, as it is affordable for just about anyone. Today, everyone wants to finest high quality images with the top of the line camera, rather than worrying more about the cost. The subjects of photos in the past were generally focused more on people, instead of physical objects, landscapes or buildings. Photos were taken of people who were usually rich, famous, memorable and important. Now, you can take high quality photos of anyone or any object because being rich or famous is no longer important, and it’s more meaningful.

Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera

Technology has advanced significantly throughout the past years. Today, photos are developed by machines and computers instantly, and not in “black rooms” one by one. Even though black rooms still exist through out the world, some people prefer to use the traditional positive and negative developing method, instead of modern day technology. Now, software’s such as Adobe Photoshop are available to edit, enhance, resize, adjust exposure or brightness, red eye reduction and change every little detail in any picture with a click of a button. You can even share pictures online immediately using Facebook or various image-hosting web sites such as Flickr, or Picasaweb on Internet. As technology changes everyday, new ideas and methods will be introduced and we will have to adapt to the changes.

Adobe Photoshop and PhotoTools Professional Edition

Using Adobe Photoshop to edit photo

Sources:
Historic Photographs - Photographic Processes
Stereo Photography
Sprinkled in Pink (Tina Fey Picture)
Nikon D60 (Picture)
Adobe Photoshop Screen Shot (Pictures)

Welcome to My World

Hey everyone,

My name is Osamah Asif, currently enrolled in the Business Accounting program. I have past experience in web designing and photoshop. However, I'm fairly new to blogging and "professional" photography, as I started taking photos this past fall of 2009. Photography has always been my passion, because I feel that it's very inspiring to capture those special moments in life and look back at them a few years later. After all, Photography is art, you vision something with the eye, and make it come to life. In 1999 at the age of 10, my uncle gave me my first (disposable) camera. By 2004, I learned to use a camera and bought myself digital camera from working a part-time job. In the summer of 2009, I bought my very first professional digital SLR camera (Nikon D60). I chose to take this elective course on purpose, not only because of the credit, but to learn the true meaning behind photography, past history, different techniques of taking pictures, learning to blog and more. Feel free to leave any comments on any new posts or photos as I would appreciate any feedback. I look forward to working with everyone online.
Have a great semester and best of luck!