1. What are main differences and similarities between portraits in the early days of photography and portraits today?
· Differences:
In the early days, portraits were mostly available for those who have political and economic power. Therefore, having self portraits shows how wealth and power the person had. The portraits were either drawn by a painter or taken by a photographer in the early days. Photographs were expensive early in the days because it was the new technology to the people in that era. However, it was available to the middle class as the time passed and more photographers appeared. Usually, the photograph and portraits were done in a studio in the early days while we can take photos anytime and anywhere today due to the technology advancement. The photographs were taken in black and white color back in the days. Also, it could take hours to set up of one photograph in the early days.
· Similarities:
I see very few similarities between portraits in the early days of photography and portraits today. One of them are people in the early days tend to have the portraits of others for memory and remembrance like today when others were far away.
A painting portrait
Black and white color photograph portrait
Portrait with color
2. Who was the photographer and who was the subject of photographs in the past and today?
· Who was the photographer?
Photographers were an artist who spends most of their time in photography. The reason for this was that the camera in the early days weren’t easy to operate. The photographers were required to be knowledgeable about the every part of the camera and its functions. Also, the photographers in the past were limited due to the expenses. To being a photographer in the early days was not easy. It required a studio and equipments to become a photographer. Therefore, the photographers were those who were qualified and affordable person. However, anyone can be a photographer today. Everyone has their own cameras with rich qualities.
· Who was the subject of photographs?
As I mentioned above, the photographs and portraits were for those who have the economic and political power. According to this fact, the subjects of photographs were probably the Kings or Queens, presidents, politicians, or those royal people.
Queen Elizabeth II in 1952
King George VI, Elizabeth II's father, in 1940
3. What was the impact on technology on the portraits in the past and today?
· In the past:
Emergence of photograph portrait was the technology impact on the portraits in the past. The technology made it easier and faster to put the appearance of a person on a paper.
· Today:
As the technology is advanced since its appearance, the photography is more likely to become a networking. Now days, people are posting their photos by social networking site to let others know how they are doing, where they have been, and so on.
References
Gisele Freund. Precursors of the Photographic Portrait
Lemagny and Rouille. Excerpt from A History of Photography
References
Gisele Freund. Precursors of the Photographic Portrait
Lemagny and Rouille. Excerpt from A History of Photography
