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Uploaded by DeanOtterMaster1486
Rebecka Campbell
Michael Demers
FAS 326 History of Photography
11/26/2023
Photography of War: Origins, Development, and Changes
War photography has been instrumental in allowing people to grasp the bitter reality of armed
conflict. From the invasion of Ukraine to the battles in the Pacific and the bloodshed in Iraq, war photography has made it possible for people to form vivid and distinct mental images of these events, despite most never having witnessed them in person. By providing a window into the world of war from the safety of our homes, war photography has helped us comprehend the actual cost of conflict.
The earliest war photographs were not focused on depicting active battles, wounded or dead bodies, or glorifying war heroes. Rather, their styles were dictated by safety concerns and the limitations of technology at the time. Nonetheless, these images have provided us with a glimpse
into the harsh realities of war and the impact it has on human lives. Through war photography, we have come to understand the importance of peace, and the devastating consequences of armed conflict.
The United States' war with Mexico stands as a significant milestone in the history of photography, marking the first-ever occasion on which war photographs were captured. These
initial photographs were taken as daguerreotypes and served as a precursor to the more organized
photographic coverage of conflict that would follow later.
It was during the Crimean War that several photographers ventured to Crimea to document the war through their lenses. These photographers captured the essence of conflict in ways that had never been seen before. Through their images, the world gained a deeper understanding of the realities of war.
Among these photographers, Roger Fenton stood out as an expert in his craft. Fenton's images
of the Crimean War are a testament to his skill and dedication, providing unmatched detail and insight into the horrors of war. Fenton's photographs remain a vital historical record, offering a glimpse into a dark chapter of human history that should never be forgotten. Despite operating under adverse conditions, Fenton demonstrated remarkable resilience and resourcefulness. He managed to overcome the numerous challenges posed by the hazards of war, unpredictable climate, and limitations of his equipment and process. Despite the odds stacked against him, Fenton's unwavering confidence and determination enabled him to produce remarkable results that reflected his exceptional skill and dedication.
Roger Fenton, The Valley of The Shadow of Death, April 23, 1855, Salted paper print, from the album "Photographic Pictures of the Seat of War in the Crimea" (1856), 27.2cm x 36.4cm (10 3/4 in. x 14 3/8in), J. Paul Getty in Los Angeles, CA.
In 1855, during the Crimean War, Roger Fenton captured what would become his most famous photograph, "The Valley of the Shadow of Death". The title is a reference to Psalm 23 of the Bible and was given by British soldiers who fought in the valley, which was a site of constant
shelling. The image depicts a barren and desolate scene, with a road running down the middle of the valley, flanked by deep trenches on either side. The landscape is strewn with cannonballs, and the only sign of life is a small stand of trees in the distance. The valley is a haunting and powerful symbol of the tragedy of war, and the absence of life in the photograph reflects the tremendous loss of human lives during the conflict.
Matthew Brady's photography during the American Civil War is a testament to his bravery and dedication. As the first photographer to place himself in danger during battles, Brady's work provided a unique perspective on the realities of war. Despite technological limitations that prevented him from capturing moving objects, he introduced two groundbreaking concepts to
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war photography: images of the dead in the aftermath of battles and the first active combat photographs. His contributions have impacted the field of photography. "Though there is limited documentation and surviving photos of both the Crimean War, the American Civil War would become one of the most photographed wars of the 19th century[ CITATION Reb11 \l 1033 ]". During the Civil War, the coverage of events was unique in comparison to previous efforts. This was due to the subject matter and the distribution of photographs. It was the first time that war had been documented in such a way, and it was an immensely successful attempt. Photographers during the Civil War created poignant and striking images by manipulating bodies and adding props to the scenes. One of the most famous examples of this is Alexander Gardner's "Home of Rebel Sharpshooter," a piece that highlights the photographer's immense talent in capturing a powerful and compelling image.
Alexander Gardner, Home of a Rebel Sharpshooter, Gettysburg, 1863 July 6, Albumen photographic print on card mount pl. 41 from the album "Gardner's Photographic Sketch Book of
the War, vol. 1" (1866), 17.7cm x 22.9cm (7in x 9 1/16in),
There is no doubt that this is a staged photograph, but it evokes strong emotions and vivid memories of past traumas, despite it being staged. The dead body was moved by one of the assistants to its current location. Gettysburg is the site of a battle that led to the death of a person in the image. Gardner staged scenes as a means of enhancing the emotional impact of his photographs. The soldier's head is propped up so that it faces the camera. As a result of the rifle beside him, the soldier's cause of death became evident.
During the Civil War, the growing availability of prints for sale presented an unprecedented opportunity for the distribution of war imagery to the masses. These prints captured scenes from the front lines, offering a vivid portrayal of the conflict that had previously been unavailable to much of the public. This newfound accessibility to war imagery had a significant impact on the perception of the war effort. The ability to see the harsh realities of the conflict played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and promoting support for the Union cause. The prints also served
as a means of commemoration, allowing individuals to remember the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers on both sides of the conflict. Overall, the availability of prints during the Civil War was a meaningful change for the distribution of war imagery. It offered a unique opportunity for individuals across the country to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the realities of war and the impact it had on the nation. The rise of war photography can be traced back to World War 1 when photographs of the war were being used for both military and propaganda purposes. In this critical period, both sides were eager to justify their actions and solicited public support while concealing the gruesome realities of the war. Nevertheless, the military considered the free press to be a security threat and
imposed strict censorship on all images of the war. Journalists and war photographers were
banned from accessing the front lines, and only a select few were able to document certain areas of the war. Despite these challenges, war photography played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and perceptions of the war. It allowed people to see the devastation wrought by the war and the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides. In recognition of this, the British Government credited two photographers, Ernest Brooks, and John Warwick, for their exceptional contributions to war photography between 1916 and 1918.
Overall, war photography during World War 1 was a powerful tool for propaganda, military intelligence, and historical documentation. It helped shape the way we view war and its consequences and continues to be an important means of telling stories and preserving memories of war to this day.
War photojournalism was a crucial component of World War 2, shaping the course of the conflict and influencing public opinion. The use of photography was pervasive on all sides of the
war, serving various purposes ranging from propaganda to demoralization. Photographs of dead soldiers were a common sight, used to evoke shock, horror, and fear in the viewer. However, war
photography was not limited to gory images of death and destruction; it also served as a tool to document the war, its effects on civilians, and the bravery of soldiers fighting on the frontlines. These photographs captured the essence of war, its impact on people, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. They were instrumental in shaping perceptions and attitudes
towards the war and continue to serve as a reminder of the horrors of war and the sacrifices made
by those who fought in it.
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Yosuke Yamahata, Nagasaki Japan, 1917, Gelatin Silver on paper, Gift of Independent Documentary Group, Museum of Photographic Arts
Philip Jones Griffiths, Scared looking marines crouch at a wall during Tet offensive, 1968, Saigon, Vietnam
Works Cited
Brooks, Rebecca Beatrice. Civil War Photography
. 9 August 2011. https://civilwarsaga.com/civil-war-
photography/#:~:text=The%20Civil%20War%20was%20one%20of%20the%20first,well%20as
%20the%20locations%20of%20Civil%20War%20battles. 25 November 2023.
Chicago, The Art Unsititue Of. Home of a Rebel Sharpshooter, Gettysburg
. n.d. https://www.artic.edu/artworks/196395/home-of-a-rebel-sharpshooter-gettysburg?ef-
classification_ids=photograph. 25 November 2023.
David, Travis. Art Institute of Chicago
. 2003. https://www.artic.edu/artworks/123407/the-valley-of-the-
shadow-of-death. 26 Navember 2023.
Havlin, Laura. The Tet Offensive: The Battle for Vietnam’s Cities
. 31 January 2018. https://www.magnumphotos.com/newsroom/conflict/tet-offensive-vietnam-cities-philip-jones-
griffiths/. 25 November 2023.
Keck, Stacy. Mopa Balboa Park The San Diego Museum of Art
. 2023. https://mopa.org/exhibition/nagasakijourney/. 25 November 2023.