SAEDNEWS: Photography has long been recognized as a unique art form, captivating countless enthusiasts. Stay with Saed News to explore and get acquainted with this art.
Photography is the art of preserving moments—those fleeting instances that may never repeat—by capturing them and recording them in history. While photography in the past was largely the domain of professional photographers, today, with the widespread availability of portable and smartphone cameras, it has become accessible to everyone. Nonetheless, professional photography continues to thrive in various forms, and photographers work across diverse fields such as portrait photography, nature photography, sports photography, photojournalism, scientific photography, fine art photography, industrial and commercial photography, and more. Some photography genres are more popular than others, each with its own unique requirements and tools. Overall, photography is arguably the most universal form of art, as anyone, anywhere in the world, can take photos—even with a smartphone. Yet, to pursue it professionally, one must combine advanced equipment with comprehensive training and diverse experience.
Definition of Photography
Etymologically, photography means “taking pictures” or “image recording.” In essence, photography is the art of capturing moments. The word “photography” comes from two Greek words: phos, meaning “light,” and graphis, meaning “writing” or “drawing”—literally, “writing with light.”
A successful photographer must receive proper training and master photographic techniques. Photography also requires creativity and artistic sensibility. Having a keen eye and noticing details that others overlook can transform an ordinary subject into a striking image. Capturing compelling photographs demands patience and dedication. Many photographers endure harsh weather or dangerous environments, waiting hours or days for the perfect moment. Photography is a blend of passion and talent: even the most advanced cameras cannot produce images without a dedicated photographer behind the lens.
History of Photography
The origins of photography trace back to ancient times. The word photography is derived from the Greek terms for light and writing, signifying “writing with light,” first used in the 1830s. Ancient Greeks believed light emanated from the eyes to objects, with the reflected light enabling vision. Aristotle and Euclid disproved this theory through pinhole experiments, placing a translucent screen behind the pinhole to project images. In the 6th century, the mathematician Anthemius used a darkroom camera in his experiments.
The First Permanent Photographs
Photography as we know it began in the late 1830s. French inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce produced the first lithographic image using light, although the initial print was lost during copying. Undeterred, he eventually succeeded in creating a permanent photograph. Following his breakthroughs, photographers experimented with various emulsions, chemicals, and techniques, leading to innovations such as printing plates, light-sensitive surfaces, and dry plates by the late 1800s, which were crucial for the development of modern photography.
Photography in Iran
Photography in Iran began during the Qajar dynasty under Naser al-Din Shah. The first foreign photographer to produce images in Iran was the Frenchman Joule Rishar, who arrived around 1844–1846 and taught French at Dar al-Funun. The first collection of photographs of Iranian historical sites was produced by Luigi Pesce, a colonel from Naples who emigrated to Iran. Color photography was introduced in Iran during the Pahlavi era in 1935, marking a significant transformation in the photographic world.
Styles of Photography
Photography styles vary depending on the photographer’s goals and the intended use of the images. Some of the most prominent and common styles include:
Nature Photography: Captures plants, animals, mountains, and landscapes without direct or indirect human influence. Cultivated plants, roads, domestic animals, or wildlife outside natural habitats are excluded.
Portrait Photography: Focuses on capturing human faces while reflecting individual characteristics, thoughts, and emotions.
Scientific Photography: Encompasses a broad range, from high-magnification microscopy to astrophotography, and occasionally includes human-made objects such as particle colliders or space stations. This genre is increasingly valuable for revealing entirely new perspectives of the world.
Commercial and Advertising Photography: Features products or people to promote sales, advertisements, or stock imagery. Commercial photographers require studio lighting expertise and visualization skills to realize a client’s vision.
Freelance Photography: Involves taking on assignments for various clients or self-employed projects.
Still Life Photography: Captures inanimate objects from the environment, aiming to convey a concept or idea simply. Precision in lighting and composition is crucial.
Wedding Photography: Documents one of life’s most significant events. Wedding photographers need technical camera and lighting skills, as well as the ability to capture emotions naturally.
Architectural Photography: Focuses on buildings and architectural works, where perspective and lens selection are critical due to the size of the structures.
Photojournalism: Captures images with the primary purpose of reporting news or events.
Fashion Photography: Similar to portraiture but specialized in clothing and style. Often for brands or advertising, fashion photography demands awareness of lighting, photography techniques, and fashion trends.
Fine Art Photography: Captures beauty as perceived by the artist. While definitions vary, this style attracts audiences who share similar aesthetic sensibilities.
Underwater Photography: Requires waterproof cameras, specialized lighting, and diving skills to capture underwater life, macro subjects, or striking portraits.
Astrophotography: Involves photographing celestial objects, from smartphone captures through telescopes to deep-space images from Hubble. It is accessible yet requires precise exposure techniques and post-processing skills. “Astro-landscape” photography combines Earthscapes with celestial imagery, adding complexity and visual impact.
The Role of Light in Creating Images
Light is fundamental to photography. To produce an image, light must be captured on film or a digital sensor and subsequently developed or fixed.
Photography as an Art Form
Photography records events over time, reflecting human experiences and emotions. It is the only art form that uses sequences of images to depict human conditions continuously.
Keys to Success in Photography
Place Yourself in Challenging Situations: Growth comes from stepping out of comfort zones. Photographers must face difficult conditions to develop skills and creativity.
Experiment with New Approaches: Avoid stagnation. Stay aware of market trends and explore new techniques, as what was successful years ago may no longer appeal.
Embrace Freedom in Your Art: Avoid excessive control or obsession; allowing spontaneity can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs.
Seek Mentorship: A mentor provides guidance, helps overcome obstacles, and accelerates growth. Learning from experts is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
Expand Your Niche Market: Identify and cultivate specialized areas in photography. Being both a generalist and a specialist allows for flexibility and growth.
Ultimately, what makes photography an art depends on your style, inspirations, and unique approach.
