Victor Hugo by Etienne Carjet c1876 about a century and a half ago
Toronto. Before photography, artists used pencil, charcoal, brush, and paint to create a ‘likeness’ of a well to do person. The wealthier and more famous the person, the better he/she could afford a well known painter – a true artist.
When photography was first announced, it was intended to make reproduction in printed matter simpler, or to record scenes in a more lifelike fashion. Very quickly its was realized that it afforded more modest folk to pay for a ‘likeness’.
Shown at left is the French author Victor Hugo whose likeness and spirit were captured by another famous Frenchman, Etienne Carjet.
Since its inception, the art of photography has progressed – more sensitive media; advances in resolution; faithful reproduction of natural colour; movies, three dimensions; Off the shelf equipment and media; processing by third parties; etcetera. As the technical demands were reduced, more and more people embraced the art for various intentions.
Today with digital technology, the technical aspect of photography has become so complete that nearly every one is a ‘photographer’. One thing is missing. A true artist can bring forth the key feeling of a person or scene. A true artist knows how to make an arresting, appealing image of a person or scene. Today millions are photographers; a handful are true artists.
