Origins of Photography
The first photograph was taken by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1826. He used a process called heliography to capture an image on a pewter plate. The exposure time was about eight hours, creating a grainy yet historical image.
Evolution of Cameras
Early cameras were bulky and required long exposure times. The invention of the Kodak camera by George Eastman in 1888 revolutionized photography, making it accessible to the general public with its slogan, 'You press the button, we do the rest.'
Digital Revolution
The first digital camera was developed by Kodak engineer Steven Sasson in 1975. It weighed 8 pounds and captured black-and-white images at a resolution of 0.01 megapixels. This innovation paved the way for modern digital photography.
Role in Scientific Discovery
Photography has played a crucial role in scientific advancements. For instance, the first photograph of DNA was taken by Rosalind Franklin in 1952 using X-ray crystallography, greatly contributing to our understanding of genetic structures.
Unexpected Uses of Photography
Photography is used in forensic investigations to capture crime scenes in detail. Additionally, in the 19th century, spirit photography claimed to capture ghosts, blending science and superstition in a unique cultural phenomenon.
Photo from the Moon
The first photograph taken on the moon was by astronaut Neil Armstrong in 1969, capturing Buzz Aldrin's footprint, marking a historic moment in space exploration.