ROBUST CHANGES WITNESSED IN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE 20TH CENTURY Digital photography implements the use of electronic photodetectors in the place of photographic film to capture images while digital memories store these images. The 20th century is undoubtedly the period that defined the future of digital photography and cemented its place within the spectrum of digital arts. This article focuses on the significant changes in this art during the 20th century. Digital photography in 1900-1925 The early 1900s saw the adoption of personal cameras by the general public. Photography was a crucial definer in people’s cultural and social interactions as they could now store memories for sentimentality and nostalgia later. Cameras were now being mass-produced and were readily available to people. The breakout of World War I would ultimately shape the future of photography. Soldiers, victims, unaffected and affected people alike used photography as a means of keeping a record of the devastation that was the Great War. Photography was now a weapon as governments used photographs as a tool of propaganda. Post-WWI digital photography (1920s–1950s) In this period, people used their small cameras to take photos. This time saw the introduction of color photography. The images were now more lifelike and real. Photojournalism also evolved in this time with the introduction of color, as opposed to the traditional monochrome. Color photography is attributed to the Kodachrome film by Kodak Research Laboratories. Camera equipment was continually being made less bulky, effectively compacting the hardware and improving the mobility and quality of photography. Just to add, photography was taken serious in this period and people started viewing it as a profession that one can pursue and make a killing out of it. Late 50’s up to the early ’70s A lot of changes happened during this time. Magazines produced during this time were gearing towards colored illustrations and clearer images, to attract more readers. Photography now digressed from documentaries of WWII to lifestyles, scenery, sports, and even showbiz. News reporting was especially more vivid at this time too. This period saw the documentation of artifacts, fossils, cultures, and physical features. Pre 21st century developments Consumer digital cameras were introduced in the ’80s, while Adobe introduced Photoshop in the ’90s, marking the pinnacle of change for digital photography. During this time, manipulation of digital images was made possible, and this made the public question the integrity of photography. Digital photography was now being done from space and aircrafts alike. Undoubtedly, the 20th century produced milestones in the field of digital photography with the improvements above-mentioned. It is worth noting that the 21st century has taken digital
photography to a new level with technological advancements, making photography an element of daily living for all. Much can be said about drastic changes in many field in 20th century, but photography has taken a big chunk of it. No one knew that everyone can turn to be a photographer when every smartphone comes with a camera that is more clear and takes high quality pictures.