17th Juni 2007, 07:38 pm
With the introduction of the “Kodak Box” (1890, advertising slogan: You press the button, we do the rest), the foundation was put in place for a continually expanding amateur market. From this point on people were able to portray themselves without any further knowledge of photography. As a reaction to the popularization of photography, artistic photographers tried to differentiate themselves from the masses through formal finesse (bromide print, rubber print, etc.). Continue reading ‘Kodak Box’ »
11th Juni 2007, 06:42 pm
After technological improvements (better optics, short exposure times) and the change from light-sensitive metal plates to glass negatives combined with the “wet collodion” process, photographs could be reproduced at will. Then industry and other social classes took an interest. Continue reading ‘Technical improvements’ »
7th Juni 2007, 05:53 pm
The quick development and prevalence of photography is related to the portrait trend at the end of the 19th century. The up and coming middle class, in trying to free itself from feudal constraints which were hampering its drive towards economic expansion, used the portrait as a means of self-portrayal. Facing one’s own image, admiring oneself and what one had attained and showing that “I am somebody” had been reserved for nobility long enough. Continue reading ‘Historical aspects of the development of photography’ »
27th Mai 2007, 12:29 am
The photo production of the “awareness industry” is much more relevant for the awareness of the uses of photography in our society. On the one hand, it puts photo materials (combined with usage instructions for the medium) on the market through the “impression of competition”. On the other hand, it shapes the use of the media content by imparting clichés and stereotypes. Continue reading ‘Awareness industry’ »
23rd Mai 2007, 06:23 am
Millions of people own a camera, and the number of photographs goes into the billions. Photography is a rite which is enormously prevalent in society. Yet it is only used for emancipatory purposes, in terms of problematisation of reality, in the rarest cases. This is proven by the uniform everyday production of pictures. The production of photographs takes place within cliché’s and stereotypes, which have remained the same throughout since photography became popular (vacation photos, family photos). Continue reading ‘Photography and Truth’ »
