Brooklyn historical society

Nowadays, photographs take just a click to produce images but back then, early 1800s, things were more complicated. Daguerreotype was the very first camera ever invented. And the photos definitely show a old-fashioned feeling. Unlike current cameras, the daguerreotype was a absolutely a long process in the production of one photo. First, the daguerreotype metal plate needs to be polished. Then, the metallic plate needs chemicals. Afterwards, the plate is set inside the daguerreotype camera to receive exposure. Light exposure took up to 20 seconds, a long time for a subject to wait for. Later, the plate is burned with mercury. In the end, a small, pocket sized, framed image is unveiled in black and white.

Now photographs are easy and fast. The wide range of current camera photos excels far greater than daguerreotype photos. Instead of waiting 30 seconds to take a photo, like daguerreotype, modern day cameras just take a press of a button. Also, photographs nowadays contain color unlike daguerreotype. Although today’s cameras push the boundaries of photography, daguerreotype, oddly, contain a unique vibe about it.  The daguerreotype’s photographs are light sensitive. When a daguerreotype photo is moved directly towards the light, the image disappears. Overall, the camera has gone a long way, from a black and white daguerreotype photo to digital photography.

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One Response to Brooklyn historical society

  1. rmichals says:

    You have a really clear idea of what it took to make a daguerreotype.

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