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The History of Documentary Photography



golden hour photography

Documentary photography has a long history dating back to the 19th Century, when inequality against the poor was more common. The poor were seen as warnings or failures during this period of self-help. The public was however detached and only mildly interested. A greater concern might be caused by seeing photographs of the lives in the cotton mills, coal mining, and slums. Many people believe that the shift in public perception was caused by the rise of documentary photography.

Photographs of The Great Depression

America was hit hard by the Great Depression during the 1930s. The Great Depression blew up the post-World War 1 bubble leaving millions homeless. There are remarkable photographs that captured these memorable years in colour. The Library of Congress houses a vast collection of these photographs, which was used for Bound for Glory: Photographs of the United States in Colour, a 2006 exhibit. Photographs taken by the Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information document the conditions of Americans during this time, and are particularly poignant, as they portray the era in its entirety.


concert photography

Robert Capa, Work

Robert Capa captures the human condition in photographs. Capa's photos are some of the most touching. These photographs depict men with dignity, a gentle seriousness, and without cruelty, rancor or submission. Capa's images, even though he was living in poverty at the moment, show the compassion and principle that ordinary people have. Capa's photographs showing poor people reflect a deeply-rooted humanism. His photographs have inspired millions of people to do the same.


Diane Arbus: Work

Diane Arbus's documentary photographer isn't often considered "funny," however, she wasn't naive. She described herself to be "two-faced," "a little too nice" and often showed the flaws of her subjects. Her work was both beautiful and poignant, and she captured the world's disapproval of her subjects. Her images of Freaks and others who dare to defy them are timeless.

Work of Gordon Parks

Documentary photography by the revolutionary Parks was an important part of the civil rights movement and remains an inspiration today. His photographs capture the everyday indignities of African Americans in the most minute detail. Whether a Black custodial worker in Washington, DC, a gang leader in Harlem, or a young girl in a gang uniform, Parks' images capture the human spirit. Many of these images also criticize American racial policies.


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Work of Dorothea Lange

Dorothea Lange was born in New York City, in 1912. She first started using a camera during the Great Depression. In order to capture groups of unemployed men and the homeless as well as other subjects, she began taking photographs. Her photos show an uncompromising humanity that earned her immediate recognition. Her photographs were well-received by other photographers at the time, including members of Group f.64 (Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham and Edward Weston).




FAQ

How can my phone improve my photo skills?

Photography doesn't have to be expensive. You can take amazing photos with just a phone.

Just need to learn the basics of how to use it all.

There are many apps that both Android and iOS users can use to edit and share their photos.

Here are five tips for taking better pictures.

  1. Set Up Your Camera App. Your camera application should be already installed on your device. If your camera app isn't installed on your device, download it from Google Play.
  2. Use effects and filters. You can change the look of your photo with filters and effects without even touching it.
  3. Adjust Exposure. Adjusting exposure helps you control the brightness of your picture.
  4. Make sure you are shooting in the right light. Photographing in bright lighting makes it easier for you to see details within your subject. Photographing in low light conditions allows you to capture the highlights and shadows of your image.
  5. Take Pictures of People. It is a great way to share your love with others by taking pictures of them.

Learn more about taking better photos with your smartphone by reading our article 5 Tips to Improve Your Photography Skills.


Why use Light Room to enhance your pictures?

Start early to get the best photos possible for your project. It's always a good idea to take as many pictures as possible and then decide which ones will be the most valuable.

Lightroom makes it easy to do this. It lets you see how different settings impact each photo. You can adjust these settings instantly without returning to Photoshop. This allows you to quickly test what looks great and what does not.


What is rule of thirds for photography?

The rule of Thirds allows you to create unique compositions with minimal camera settings. It divides the image horizontally or vertically into nine equal pieces. This creates three main areas where you want your subject to appear. These areas are the top, middle and bottom. These areas can serve as guides to help you position your subject within your frame.

The rule of threes can also help you avoid placing important items too close together. If they are too close to each other, it may be difficult for them to make a strong visual impression. They may lose focus if they're too far apart.


How can I look great in photos?

Photographing yourself is the best way to make sure you look professional in your photos. You'll learn how to pose for the camera, what angles are flattering, and which ones aren't. Learn how to use lighting, props and other tools to enhance your natural beauty.

You will learn how to choose clothes that fit, make-up that suits you, and hairstyles and styles that work for your face.

And if you're not happy with the results, we'll show you how to retouch your images using Photoshop and other editing software.

Do yourself a favor and take some self portraits!



Statistics

  • Get 40% off Adobe Creative Cloud(opens in new tab) (creativebloq.com)
  • By March 2014, about 3 million were purchased monthly, about 30 percent of the peak sales total. (en.wikipedia.org)
  • In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. (wikihow.com)
  • While I cannot prove that all of those spots were not sensor dust, the photo was taken during a heavy snowstorm…so I guess that 99.8% of the spots are snowflakes. (bhphotovideo.com)



External Links

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How To

How to take macro shots in photography

Macro photography can be defined as the ability of taking pictures at close range of small objects, such insects or flowers. Macro (from the Greek makros, meaning large) is from the Greek word makros. A lens with a focal length over 50mm can be used to take photos of objects very close up.

A macro lens that is good should have a long working range and a fast aperture to get sharp images. Avoid movement when taking photos, as any movement during exposure can blur your image.

Here are some ways to get great macro photos

  1. Use a tripod. Use a tripod. This will ensure that you have less movement while shooting.
  2. The right lighting is important. Most macro lenses come with built-in light filters, but if you don't have one already, buy one separately. It helps to avoid overexposure.
  3. Be patient! Shooting macros takes practice. Sometimes you may only see a tiny bug or flower, but it's worth it to keep shooting until you catch it.
  4. RAW file format allows you to shoot in it. RAW files store more data than standard JPEGs. RAW files are best for editing later because you can make adjustments like cropping and color correction after the fact.
  5. It's important to remember the background. The background can sometimes add interest to your shot even though it is a foreground item. Try to include it in your photo.
  6. Keep learning.




 



The History of Documentary Photography