Photography, meaning "drawing with light," originated in the early 19th century, evolving from the ancient camera obscura concept to create lasting images. Key milestones include Niépce's first permanent photograph in 1826, Daguerre’s 1839 daguerreotype process, and the transition from 20th-century film to the modern digital era. 

Key Historical Developments

• Pre-19th Century: The camera obscura, a pinhole projector, was used for centuries by artists to trace images, with principles described by Aristotle (4th Century BC) and Mozi (5th Century BC).
• The First Photo (1826): Joseph Nicéphore Niépce produced the first permanent image, View from the Window at Le Gras, using a bitumen-coated pewter plate, requiring an 8-hour exposure.
• Daguerreotypes & Calotypes (1830s-1840s): Louis Daguerre perfected the daguerreotype (sharp,, direct positive on metal) in 1839. Simultaneously, William Henry Fox Talbot developed the calotype process, a negative-positive process on paper that enabled reproduction.
• The Evolution of Film (Late 19th-20th Century): Wet plates gave way to dry plates, and in 1888, George Eastman introduced the Kodak camera, making photography accessible with flexible roll film.
• Color and Digital Photography: The Lumière brothers introduced the Autochrome color process in 1907. The late 20th century saw the shift to digital sensors, revolutionizing speed and accessibility. 

Impact and Evolution
Photography transformed from a scientific experiment into a tool for documentation (e.g., American Civil War, 1860s), art, and personal expression. Key figures like Alfred Stieglitz (early 20th century) pushed it as a fine art form, while photojournalists in the 1930s-40s shaped news media.