Some of the differences between portraits in the early days of photography and today are that in the early days portraits where more exclusive. One copy of the portrait would be made and it would be displayed in the home. Portraits where made for wealthy families and highly valued because of its exclusivity. Once a person died the portrait would be passed down to other family members. These portraits where also only limited to black and white and depending on the method of development, might have slight tints of other colours. An example of this is “. In 1862, the price of a single non­tinted portrait ranged froIn 25 to 150 francs, depending on size” (A History Of Photography by Lemagny Rouille 36-44) The only thing that could be changed about a photo was the lighting. Another difference was the amount of time that a subject had to sit in front of the camera in order to get their picture taken; many cameras would take several minute to actually capture a persons image

Portraits today undergo many different methods to get the best picture; many can be taken at one time and retouched. With technology like Photoshop to soften blemishes, change lighting, correct red eye, add in things missing from the photo and air brushing, people can look as desirable at they like. We are also able to make many copies of a portrait easily therefore family members and even the public can have the same picture without too much trouble.

In the past there were only a set few who were able to call themselves photographers; one reason was

because taking photos with early cameras was almost a science. Special steps had to be taken that an armature at photography couldn’t always get their hands on the proper equipment. In early photographs subjects were limited to landscapes and individuals. People who posed for pictures were either wealthy or prestige to society. Photos such as portraits gave you status “By having one's portrait done an individual of the ascending classes could visually affirm his new social status both to himself and to the world at large.” (Precursors of the Photographic Portrait)

Today just about anybody can take picture and call themselves a photographer. There are many differ kinds of cameras, thanks to technology we can take good quality pictures with phones, digital camera, computer web cams even the classic camera makes it easier than ever to take pictures. There are still photographers who are popular for taking particular kinds of pictures and in addition to them there are millions of others like paparazzi who get paid, bloggers, and journalists. Many people like to take pictures of just about anything, the subject of photographs range anywhere from landscapes, family, to friends, special events, or even just the unusual things they see day to day.

sources

Precursors of the Photographic Portrait

A History Of Photography by Lemagny Rouille 36-44