If you've ever wondered about the history of photography, then this article is for you. We'll look at the early origins and key people who helped make photography what it is today.

First, let's look at the actual meaning.The word photograph derives from Greek words phos (light) and graphein (write). In 330BC Philosopher Aristotle first observed that early pin hole cameras could use sunlight to make a circular image when it was shined through a square hole. However, it wasn’t until 1826 when Joseph Nicephore Niepce produced the first permanent photograph.

His sun prints were the prototype for modern photography, by allowing light to navigate the picture. Unfortunately, his photographs would fade, even after eight hours of light exposure.

Next, let's look at the first practical process of photography. In 1892 Louis Daguerre invented the first practical process of photography. He managed to fix the images onto a sheet of silver-plated copper. He polished the silver and coated it in iodine, creating a surface that was sensitive to light. He placed the plate in a camera exposing it for a few minutes. Daguerre then soaked the plate in silver chloride. This process created a lasting image, one that would not change if exposed to light.

Next, let's look at George Eastman. He created a film that was unbreakable and flexible in 1889. The significance of this was that it could be rolled, creating the first ‘box’ camera. From this the box camera would become a mass product.

These many technical advancements saw a positive progression toward better cameras. The invention of the dye method established a new turning point for photography. In the 1940s colour film was invented using a dye method that connected the different grains from the black and white image to source out each colour.

Since these simple methods two centuries ago, the technological world has spiralled and improved considerably. There has been the invention and development of flexible roll film, colour photographs, Polaroid, disposable and digital cameras. With every improvement, there has been better pixilation and quality. Therefore leading the way to vast development in the future of photography.

So there you have it, a short history of photography. From very simple beginnings, it has continually developed. With amazing advancements already taking place in the digital realm, one can only imagine what the next chapter in the history of photography will be.