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Amateur photographer captures first portrait
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Amateur photographer captures first portrait
A young amateur photographer is shown to be capturing his first portrait photograph.The female subject is sat patiently waiting for the exposure time, while another young boy waits behind her. Below the illustration it reads, " The first portrait was a hopeless failure." suggesting the difficulty of producing successful photography at this time, particularly for amateurs. Date: 19th century
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Media ID 23210594
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1800s Amateur Arrangement Camera Exposure Patiently Photographer Portraiture Sitter Subject Youth
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In this evocative 19th century illustration, a young amateur photographer is seen in the midst of capturing his very first portrait. The scene is set outdoors, with the photographer carefully positioning his subject, a young woman, before the lens of his rudimentary camera. She sits patiently, her expression a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, as the exposure time ticks away. A second young boy, perhaps a friend or assistant, waits behind her, ready to help if needed. Despite the excitement and anticipation in the air, the caption beneath the illustration belies the challenges that lay ahead. "The first portrait was a hopeless failure," it reads, a reminder of the technical difficulties and uncertainties that came with early photography, particularly for amateurs. The long exposure times required precise timing, a steady hand, and a clear understanding of the complex chemical processes involved. This poignant image captures the essence of the early days of portraiture, a time when the art of photography was still in its infancy and each successful portrait was a hard-won achievement. The youthful energy and determination of the photographer, coupled with the patient cooperation of his subject, make for a compelling tableau that speaks to the enduring allure of capturing the human spirit through the lens.
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