The Evolution of Photojournalism: From Glass Plates to Smartphones
Photojournalism has come a long way since the early 20th century, when photographers like George Bell traversed the streets on horseback with bulky cameras and glass plates. The journey from these early days to the modern era of smartphone photography is a fascinating story of technological advancement and evolving storytelling techniques.
Discovering Our First Press Photographer
For nearly a century, George Bell’s 1910 photograph served as a daily inspiration for Fairfax Media employees. The image captured George Bell, believed to be Australia’s first press photographer, astride a horse with a camera strapped to his chest. This iconic image of Bell is symbolic of the challenges and innovations that have defined photojournalism from its early days.
The Challenges of Early Photography
The early pioneers of photography faced tremendous obstacles. Carrying glass plates for every shot was just one of the many hurdles. These glass plates, coated with a gelatin emulsion, were fragile and heavy, measuring at least 8cm by 11cm. Despite the introduction of Kodak’s Brownie camera in 1900, professional photographers continued to use glass plates for several more decades.
"I always wondered how he did it, getting around town on horseback, and I mean, look at the size of that camera."
From Glass Plates to Digital Photography
The Transition to Roll Film
Kodak’s introduction of roll film with the Brownie camera in 1900 was a significant milestone, but it didn’t replace glass plates entirely until much later. Professional photographers continued to rely on glass plates for their precision and clarity. The transition to roll film paved the way for more flexible and portable photography, eventually leading to the development of digital photography.
| Glass Plates | Roll Film | Digital Photography | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction Date | Early 20th Century | 1900 with Kodak Brownie | Late 20th Century |
| Material | Glass coated with gelatin emulsion | Roll film | Digital sensors |
| Size and Weight | 8cm x 11cm minimum, very heavy | Compactly rolled, lighter | Portable and lightweight |
| Durability | Soft and easily damaged | More durable than glass plates | Highly durable and resistant to impact |
| Image Quality | High detail and clarity | Good detail, improved portability | Excellent image quality, easy editing |
| Adoption Rate | Used for several decades | Gradual replacement over time | Rapid adoption beginning in the 1990s |
Unlocking Hidden Gems
In 2012, Fairfax donated 18,000 glass-plate negatives to the National Library of Australia. These negatives, spanning from 1890 to 1948, have been delicately archived and exhibited. For the first time, many of these images have been displayed in their full format, offering a historical perspective on photographic techniques and storytelling. Some of these images, like the one of George Bell with a cart in the background, reveal the intricacies of past photographic practices.
The Art of Photojournalism
The Early Days of Paparazzi
Prior to commercial aviation, the gateway to Australia was North Head in Sydney. Newspapers would charter boats to meet incoming ships, ensuring they captured the first images of notable visitors, including royalty, artists, and even Harry Houdini. These early forms of paparazzi relied heavily on cooperation, with subjects posing for the cameras.
From Staged to Candid
"At the beginning of the construction [of the Sydney Harbour Bridge], you’ve got the old technology, by the time the arches meet you’ve got really good shutters that are starting to get freeze action. And you’ve got emulsions that are starting to get much faster. You can see images aren’t set up any more, they’ve just come along and photographed workers in action."
Historic events, like the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, have provided a visual timeline of the technological advancements in photography. The iconic image of Francis de Groot gatecrashing the bridge’s opening ceremony in 1932 showcases the evolution of technological capabilities from then and now.
Did you know?
The first use of a telephoto lens in the world is believed to have been during the 1920-1921 Ashes tour by Herbert Henry Fishwick, a prolific photographer for the Sydney Morning Herald.
Using the Wet Darkroom Skills
The age of digital photography has brought about a wealth of convenience, but it has also led to a decline in the basic skills needed for good imagery. From the ability to see nuances back in the darkroom to nuances in the field, traditionally-trained photographers have learned these skills in the darkroom. Judging recent photographic awards in New Zealand, Mike Bowers noticed that there’s a loss in editing, cropping and basic skills that are becoming a priority to teach.
The Future of Photojournalism
The Impact of Smartphones
As digital technology has permeated society, everyone has become a potential photographer. The era where newspapers rushed photographers from the media to cover sudden events has transitioned into crowdsourcing. Members of the public caught up in tragedies or events are now documenting these moments before they fade.
Essential Skills for Future Photographers
With smartphone photography becoming the norm, basic skills from the era of darkrooms might seem obsolete. However, these skills are becoming crucial for aspiring photographers to stand apart in the industry.
‘There’s a deterioration in the nuts and bolts of it all.’
Pro tips
The loss of darkroom skills means we have also lost essential techniques like picture composition and right-angle cropping, yet these skills ensure a high-quality of images.
The Future of Photojournalism
New technologies continue propelling photos and photojournalism toward a more immersive, digital experience. From augmented reality to virtual reality, these new capabilities are enriching storytelling. Virtual galleries showcasing images in 360 degrees, provide panoramic views, and experiential storytelling are some of the applications on the horizon.
FAQ
What is the significance of George Bell’s photograph?
George Bell’s photograph is significant because it represents the early days of photojournalism, highlighting the challenges and technological constraints of the time. It serves as a reminder of the evolution in photography and persistence in capturing authentic moments.
Why is the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s construction significant to photography?
The construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge provides a visual timeline of the technological advancements in photography. It showcases the transition from static, staged images to dynamic, action-oriented photojournalism.
How has the rise of digital technology impacted photography?
The rise of digital technology, including smartphone cameras, has democratized photography. While it has made capturing images more accessible, it has also led to a decline in traditional skills like image editing, composition, and framing.
The traditional aspects of photography’s past resonate in nearly every photo captured today.
