Photographs

Photographs as records

Joseph Nicephore Niepce changed the world when he produced the very first photograph back in 1827. Ever since people have used photography in various forms to make a record of the things, places, people and events important to their lives. Prior to the invention of photographs, people had to rely on another person’s interpretation, as shown in drawings, illustrations and paintings.

The word photograph is derived from the Greek ‘photos’ meaning light and ‘graphein’ being to draw.

Very early photographs were of poor quality (by today’s standards) and took a long time to produce.They were unique, as the ability to reproduce them by use of negative/positive reproduction, didn’t occur until the 1840s. It was not until the year 1900, that people had the means to take a photograph themselves, when cameras became more readily available. Until then photography was a specialised occupation requiring the subject of the picture to pay a visit to the photographer’s studio or for the photographer to visit the subject.

What does a photograph actually show us?

A photograph shows reality rather than a person's interpretion of that reality, although it must be noted that photographers were also adept in altering photographs with tones, light and later colour.

It should also be remembered that the clothes worn for the taking of the photograph, may not be the actual clothes worn on a daily basis by our ancestors. The taking of a family portrait would certainly have required everyone to dust down their Sunday best.

As photography has really only come into its own in the last 50 years, photographs taken in the first half of the 20th century will be far scarcer than in the latter half. Even people we remember, our Grandparents and Great Grandparents, may have had very few photographs taken, so any that do exist should, needless to say, be treated and preserved with care.

Photographs can tell so very much about our ancestors- not only how they physically looked but how they lived, as well as how they dressed. Their clothing may well give clues as to their occupations, rank or professions. A photograph may capture an event in their lives – perhaps a wedding or christening – and give clues as to the date of the event, either because someone noted the event, people or place or by the clues seen in the photograph.

Never before has photography been as commonplace as it is now. Take pictures a-plenty for the next generation. Record who, what, where, when and why so that the next generation of researchers will have plenty of material to use to understand the times and circumstances in which we lived today.

Back to Records Office Guide