How Photography Changed Over Time

Cityscapes Over Time Cityscape photography has not been a stagnant process, but a dynamic art that has grown and morphed over time. There have been changes in both the technical details of taking such photos, and in the intents of the products. After the invention of photography in 1839, drastic changes in the approaches and techniques of cityscape photographers occurred multiple times and for a plethora of reasons. Not only did the process of taking photos become easier, but the whole purpose and practice of photography was refaced. Beginning with the slow exposure times and decidedly simpler approach of Louis Daguerre, to the manipulated art works of Edward Steichen, and finally photojournalist pieces and experimentations created by Andre …show more content…
Kertesz is known for his work in photojournalism and photo essays, often getting published in many magazines, which were just becoming illustrated as mass reproduction was becoming more feasible. he employed the same methods as Steichen only much more advance by this time. Kodak cameras now popular and house hold objects, small enough to carry. The mid 1900s marked a period of pressure for significant photographs in the ever-growing media database. Magazines had growing clientele and photo journalism was on the rise for the most popular photography form. This rise in interest plays right into cityscape photography. The masses were interested in seeing lands from all over the world, or even the truth of the land all around them. Finding ways to portray places in interesting and popular manners was a skill in demand, and one Kertesz had in bulk. Exhibited in his amazing image Carrefour Blois of 1930 is Kertesz’s unique point of view. The image is taken from a high point looking down at the cross streets of a town, rather than the common and often boring view of looking up at buildings. Captured in the image is multiple men walking, biking, or in carriages. The various modes of transportation in itself speaks of the changing times, or the past coming to head with the future. The curved versus straight lines of the roads and sidewalks adds to the same theme: changing times and inevitable evolution. These messages made Carrefour Blois significant, they made the image a form of photojournalism. Kertesz was recording the lapse in periods, the moment before change took place for good. It was with Kertesz that cityscape photography morphed once more from art photography into meaningful images. While Steichen was using cityscape as a means for art