Chapter 2: Pre-Digital Photographic Technology

Photogravure is an extremely sophisticated way of photo processing. According to Art of the Photogravure, “photogravure has played an essential role in the origin and evolution of photography.” It is considered to be one of the finest methods ever of picture making. After watching a video on photogravure printing, I was able to see the time and effort it took to do this type of printing. With all the time and patience the photo came out beautiful, you could see every detail, it was truly an amazing photo. Photogravure produces some of the most exquisite photos in this world.

There has been so many different ways of printing photos and taking photos in the past, but photogravure definitely was one outstanding way. This type of printing was much easier as the photographers did not have to carry of all the equipment with them or they didn’t have to sit in a dark room in order for them to print. As Professor Nordell stated, “this whole van was required to bring all of the equipment,” so before photogravure, just to take photos they had to carry around with a van full of equipment and had to rush to the van before the plates dried out. Unfortunately, according to Art of the Photogravure, “such a superior method was a thing of the past by world war II.” However, they did also state that there are many photographers trying to revive this beautifully forgotten art.

Photo by Lothar Osterburg

Image Source:

http://www.photogravure.com/blog/

Photogravure made photography recognized as such fine art. Photogravure was able to capture beautiful moments and memories, just as photojournalists do. Photojournalists are their own kind of artists. The unfortunate thing about photogravure was that it was a very long process, so because of this many photographers and photojournalists looked for easier ways to create their images, which is why photogravure was eventually just a thing of the past. I believe photojournalists had a great appreciation for the beauty of photogravure, but found different more easier ways to print their photos.

The difference between photogravure and taking a photo and printing it from a smartphone is huge. The time it used to take to print, as I said in one video I watched was tremendous, versus now where it is so quick. Now a days we have the benefit of being able to take a photo and instantly being able to see it. Smart phones and digital cameras also auto focus as well your able to choose if it’s a motion photo. As Professor Nordell stated, “people beforephotography had no idea how the body looked like frozen in the air.” Since we are able to take motion picture we are able to see for example in sports the body in so many different positions during motion. It is truly amazing getting to know and understand the great history of photography and how much it has changed.

Photo by Ashley Alvarado