Book Review 2-08 “GETTING THE PICTURE”

In this book, the history of photography is introduced. I thought that the word of “photography” is new word in human history. It is because photography does not exist in the old days. But in fact, the notion of “photography” exists from old days. The word “photography” means “to draw with light”. It comes from two words of Greek. Photos means light. And graphe means “to write or draw".


The origin of camera is a dark room with a hole. A small hole was drilled at a wall in a square room. And light which flooded from the hole projected the outside view on the opposite wall. After some age, the rooms became small portable boxes. A lens was put in place of the hole. Light which flooded was projected at paper. It was used by artists for sketch. The box was improved.

In 1839, the world’s first photograph was taken by Joseph Nicephore Niepce. He took 8 hours to take the photograph. In 1990s, more people started taking photos. But cameras are so expensive in the time.

Recently, people take photograph with digital cameras. Digital cameras became popular quickly. Most people take photos with them rather than with film cameras. Digital cameras are small and easy to use. And we can watch the photos before we print them. I take “puri-kura” at times. I can take a picture with it, draw some illustrations and words, and get the picture as a sticker. I think it is natural behavior. But it is wonderful camera of civilization. I knew the history of photograph. And I think I receive benefit from wisdom of ancestors.

[291 words]

Reference
Carmel, R. (2008). GETTING THE PICTURE. Melbourne: Thomson Learning Australia.