In 1854, a photographer by the name of André Disdéri patented a new take on the collodion process called the Carte-de-Visite (or Carte, for short). Though they could be a singular image, Cartes were often multiple exposures taken onto a single sheet of paper, creating almost a collage effect. A multi-lens camera had tubular lenses (i.e. no shutter) so the different focal lengths could be covered and uncovered for exposures (allowing different poses) but all the exposures fell onto the same wet plate. The images could be cut apart for individual … [Read more...] about The Carte-de-Visite
Lisa Robinson
Co-Founder SoftBox Media and Owner/Lead Photographer at Lovesome Photography.We provide top-notch, award winning wedding & portrait services to the D.C. area & beyond.
Latest posts by Lisa Robinson (see all)
- The Carte-de-Visite - June 11, 2017
- Ambrotypes and Tintypes - May 28, 2017
- Rise of The Wet Plate Process - May 21, 2017
Ambrotypes and Tintypes
In my last History of Photography article, I talked about the wet plate, or collodion process and how it was quickly adopted as the status quo in the industry. Like many things that are popular, offshoots are invented by people looking for their own piece of the pie. In the mid-1850's a daguerreotypist in Philadelphia, PA named a new spinoff process ambrotype. Ambrotypes are made from the collodion process but were a positive-looking image on glass. Like daguerreotypes, it produced a one of a kind image, laterally reversed, had similar … [Read more...] about Ambrotypes and Tintypes
Rise of The Wet Plate Process
After Talbot introduced the calotype (see my previous article here), the world was in search of something photographic in between the calotype's unique paper characteristics and the daguerreotype's pristine, crystal clear detail. In the 1840's photographers began making the move to glass plates instead of a silvered plate as it was much less expensive and completely smooth. In 1847 a man by the name of Claude Félix Abel Niépce de Saint-Victor (Nicéphore Niépce's cousin) had a breakthrough. You see, using glass was cheaper and produced excellent … [Read more...] about Rise of The Wet Plate Process
The Calotype: An Overview
In my last history of photography article, I talked about William Henry Fox Talbot, the inventor of the Calotype. Here, I want to explore how the calotype evolved within photography and how it evolved the photographic world. In the 1840's, Daguerreotypes were still hugely popular. Their "look" was unlike anything else, and society was not convinced of the calotype's prowess. After all, it has not been politically vetted (Daguerre had received a pension and high honors from the state for his invention) and financial backing was lacking. … [Read more...] about The Calotype: An Overview
William Henry Fox Talbot: An Overview
William Henry Fox Talbot was an English scientist and scholar in the early 1800’s. Although he was a contemporary of Daguerre, his contributions to photography were independent of what was going on with Daguerre and in mainland Europe. In 1834, Talbot was able to create a different camera based image process that utilized the photosensitivity of silver salts, called the salted paper print. In a salted paper print, Talbot took ordinary paper and coated it with sodium chloride, let it dry, then recoated it with silver nitrate. The result … [Read more...] about William Henry Fox Talbot: An Overview
Lasting Impacts of the Daguerreotype
Lasting Impacts of the Daguerreotype In the past few articles of this series, we’ve seen how the daguerreotype came about but we haven’t really taken a moment to look at just how far-reaching the effects of its “birth” were. For starters, the daguerreotype put an end to the portrait making business as it was known to the world. Skilled painters, who previously were the only means of creating a likeness of one’s self, were suddenly squeezed by the faster and cheaper process. Not only was the daguerreotype literally faster and easier to create … [Read more...] about Lasting Impacts of the Daguerreotype
The Daguerreotype
As is often the case with history, it seems that time moves slowly until it explodes in a flurry of invention and then seemingly all at once everything changes. To me, this feels especially true in photography. In my previous articles, the sheer expanse of time from the first inklings of photographic concepts to the actualization of recording images by chemical reactions of light is astounding. It takes ages. Yet, once the daguerreotype appears all at once, things begin to change. First things first. What exactly is a daguerreotype? It’s not … [Read more...] about The Daguerreotype
Niépce, Daguerre, and Herschel: The Essential Founders of Photography
The history of photography is vast and fascinating. It didn’t develop like other art forms and comparatively, photography is in its’ infancy. Looking at where our craft came from is a great way to find new appreciation and inspiration for your work in the future. While not a complete history of photography, this weekly column aims to introduce Photofocus readers to some of the aspects of this often overlooked part of learning photography and inspire them to think about their work in new and different ways. Niépce, Daguerre, and Herschel: … [Read more...] about Niépce, Daguerre, and Herschel: The Essential Founders of Photography
The Beginning & Camera Obscura
The history of photography is vast and fascinating. It didn’t develop like other art forms and comparatively, photography is in its’ infancy. Looking at where our craft came from is a great way to find new appreciation and inspiration for your work in the future. While not a complete history of photography, this weekly column aims to introduce Photofocus readers to some of the aspects of this often overlooked part of learning photography and inspire them to think about their work in new and different ways. The Beginning & Camera … [Read more...] about The Beginning & Camera Obscura
Drobo migration from Drobo to Drobo5D
Since I've gotten a Drobo, I have to say, I really enjoy it. It's nice having a user friendly RAID array of drives not just for the capacity they provide, but for the data protection they provide. In case you're wondering about more reasons why you'd want one, check out this previous Photofocus article here. So I've been dragging my feet on this for quite a while. I know I've needed to do it, but for fear of it being a "big deal" I've been putting off migrating and updating from my Drobo Generation 3 to my new Drobo 5D. "It's the busy … [Read more...] about Drobo migration from Drobo to Drobo5D
Lens Choice is Everything
I absolutely love my Sigma Art 35mm lens. I "see" the world at a 35mm focal length. Everywhere I look, whenever I imagine photos, it's at 35mm. Unfortunately for my job shooting weddings, 35mm is not the best choice for one of the most important parts of the day; the family portraits. Wider angled lenses (lenses wider than 50mm) begin to distort lines and shapes, leaving things (in this case, faces) looking less than flattering. The other downside to the wider angled lenses for portraits is that it shows more of the background. This is great … [Read more...] about Lens Choice is Everything
Photographer of The Day: Ar’alani
Category: Wedding Photographer: Ar’alani I love the leading lines of the bridge toward the couple and, Ar’alani’s expertise of placing them in the perfect ray of light coming through the forest is just beautiful! Photo originally shared on our Photofocus Flickr Page here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. Lisa is a D.C. area based wedding & boudoir photographer. Follow her on Twitter & check out her website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of The Day: Ar’alani
Photographer of The Day: Ben Cobb
Category: Wedding Photographer: Ben Cobb I chose this image for Ben’s creative use of shooting through water (or a fountain). It frames the couple beautifully and creates a magical element to the photo. Photo originally shared on our Photofocus Flickr Page here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. Lisa is a D.C. area based wedding & boudoir photographer. Follow her on Twitter & check out her website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of The Day: Ben Cobb
Photographer of The Day: Stephen Wolfe
Category: Wedding Photographer: Stephen Wolfe I adore the recreation of the classic “American Gothic” painting. Stephen did a great job paying homage to such an iconic image but still showing his clients’ personalities. Photo originally shared on our Photofocus Flickr Page here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. Lisa is a D.C. area based wedding & boudoir photographer. Follow her on Twitter & check out her website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of The Day: Stephen Wolfe
Photographer of The Day: Martin Reisch
Category: Wedding Photographer: Martin Reisch I love the quiet and solitude Martin captured in this image. It creates a timeless romantic feel that is just beautiful! Photo originally shared on our Photofocus Flickr Page here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. Lisa is a D.C. area based wedding & boudoir photographer. Follow her on Twitter & check out her website. … [Read more...] about Photographer of The Day: Martin Reisch
Photographer of The Day: Arvind Ramachander
Category: Wedding Photographer: Arvind Ramachander I chose this moment because it is one of my favorite moments in Hindu wedding ceremonies. It's a fun and lighthearted ritual which is exciting and colorful. Arvind captured the emotion and the chaotic moment with ease and giving the rest of the world a glimpse into this wedding tradition from India. Photo originally shared on our Photofocus Flickr Page here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. Lisa is a D.C. area based … [Read more...] about Photographer of The Day: Arvind Ramachander
Photographer of The Day: Drew Gregory
Category: Wedding Photographer: Drew Gregory I chose this photo because of the overwhelming skill Drew showed in balancing the bright back light with the bridal party's skin tones. When there's such strong light in the middle of the day, it can be very tricky to overcome the dark shadows that would naturally occur, without making the image look overly "flashy". Kudos to Drew for finding the right balance! Photo originally shared on our Photofocus Flickr Page here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read … [Read more...] about Photographer of The Day: Drew Gregory
Photographer of The Day: Thomas Pivovarnik
Category: Wedding Photographer: Thomas Pivovarnik I chose this photo because it is a beautifully classic moment that Thomas captured expertly. He captured joy and excitement. Everything is clear and in focus, which I can tell you is not always easy when the rice is being thrown. Sometimes focusing systems get tricked with all the moving parts. Bravo, Thomas! Photo originally shared on our Photofocus Flickr Page here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of The Day: Thomas Pivovarnik
Photographer of The Day: Brennan Schnell
Category: Wedding Photographer: Brennan Schnell I chose this moment because of the playfulness it showed. Weddings don't always have to be about smiling faces or romance. The couple Brennan was photographing obviously had a style all their own. Her, a vintage flair, him, his Scottish heritage evident in a kilt. I like when photographers pay attention to the little details. Especially ones that reveal the clients' personalities. Photo originally shared on our Photofocus Flickr Page here. To learn how your work can be featured on … [Read more...] about Photographer of The Day: Brennan Schnell
Photographers: Success at bridal shows
Bridal Shows. Most photographers love to hate them. They’re tedious. They’re expensive. They waste a perfectly good Sunday afternoon that you could be spending with your family or shooting a session you are really excited about. For all the pain they cause, though, they can be excellent tools for getting your work out to clients you may not have reached otherwise. I do most of my business from referral. However, that isn’t always enough 100% of the time. With weddings, I can get referrals years later when the bride’s friend finally gets … [Read more...] about Photographers: Success at bridal shows
Photographer of The Day: Robert Johnson
Category: Wedding Photographer: Robert Johnson I chose this moment because Robert masterfully captured this bride in her veil. With a style evoking high fashion, Robert created a black and white photo with full tonal range (my favorite thing with black and whites) as well as a photo with a depth of field that catches every detail in the mesh of the veil and sparkle of the bride's eye. It is a beautiful job! Photo originally shared on our Photofocus Flickr Page here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read … [Read more...] about Photographer of The Day: Robert Johnson
Always Elevate
In life, it’s always a struggle to find your “tribe”. The folks that you can count on, the ones you can share triumphs without being seen as gloating and the ones you can share failures without being judged. For whatever reason, creatives especially seem to have trouble with the concept of being open. Consequently, it makes finding that supportive tribe even more difficult. I’d like to call an end to this silliness and shout to the world the message that we are all stronger TOGETHER! It’s not a sign of weakness to talk about your latest … [Read more...] about Always Elevate
Photographer of The Day: Alex Singh
Category: Wedding Photographer: Alex Singh I chose this image because Alex captured a beautiful serene and reflective moment from the bride. With 12 years of photographing brides, these moments don't happen often, naturally. Alex did a beautiful job framing the bride among the foliage and exposing for a beautiful skin tone despite the challenges spotty light through leaves can present. Photo originally shared on our Photofocus Flickr Page here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this … [Read more...] about Photographer of The Day: Alex Singh
Photographer of The Day: Collin Hughes
Category: Wedding Photographer: Collin Hughes I chose this image because I love the emotion it captures. It feels like you're peeking in on a very real moment of joy between the couple. Photo originally shared on our Photofocus Flickr Page here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. Lisa is a D.C. area based wedding & boudoir photographer. Follow her on Twitter & check out her website. This Post Sponsored by: Perfectly Clear for Photoshop or Lightroom is all … [Read more...] about Photographer of The Day: Collin Hughes
Photographer of The Day: Hugo Hernandez
Category: Wedding Photographer: Hugo Hernandez I chose this image because of the drama. The deep shadows with the perfectly balanced highlights is captivating. It reminds me of early film noir. The catchlights in the bride's teary eyes are a beautiful detail. Photo originally shared on our Photofocus Flickr Page here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. Lisa is a D.C. area based wedding & boudoir photographer. Follow her on Twitter & check out her … [Read more...] about Photographer of The Day: Hugo Hernandez
Am I Making Art?
I grew up an “art kid.” I was always in love with art class. I took up drawing and painting at an early age. My parents always enrolled me in some sort of after school or summer art program. As I got older, I focused on every honors and advanced placement art class I could get. I was always fascinated with trying to capture my reality on paper. When I found photography in high school, it clicked as the best medium I had to capture what I was after. Shortly after discovering photography, I knew I wanted to be a photographer and so I sought out a … [Read more...] about Am I Making Art?
Photographer of The Day: Ryan Southen
Category: Wedding Photographer: Ryan Southen I chose this image because of the magical quality it evokes. The wall of twinkle lights surrounds the couple with warmth and light. Also, the tilt shift technique used for the area of focus is one of my favorite looks. It focuses your attention on what's important, while being subtle. Photo originally shared on our Photofocus Flickr Page here. To learn how your work can be featured on the site, please read this article. … [Read more...] about Photographer of The Day: Ryan Southen
Website Critiques
Want to know a really simple way to improve your website? Ask a stranger for a critique! I was at an event where we were asked to write our web & email addresses down on a piece of paper and then we shuffled them around the room. Whoever you got, you had to answer two questions: Where is this site the strongest? Where is this site the weakest? The big key to this is the stranger. Often times, we self edit what we’re going to say to our friends.. Also, our friends know us, know our businesses, and can therefore mentally fill in the … [Read more...] about Website Critiques
Photographer of The Day: Ryan Katsanes
Category: Wedding Photographer: Ryan Katsanes I chose this image for Wedding Photo of The Day because I thought it was a great example of getting to know your clients. Weddings are not one size fits all, so why should the photography be one size fits all? Ryan obviously found out that baseball was something important to this couple and found a cute an fun way to incorporate it into their day. I'm willing to bet these clients loved this image and ended up using it for their thank you cards and/or purchasing an enlargement later. Catering … [Read more...] about Photographer of The Day: Ryan Katsanes
You Don’t Have To
“When clients demand something, it’s mediocre at best. You don’t have to shoot it the way they want you to shoot it.” Ewan and Brianna Phelan (out of this world amazing boudoir photographers you can read about here) said this once at a seminar I was lucky enough to be present for and the statement really resonated with me. In wedding photography, we often get wrapped up in client requests that make us groan. Not only for the simple reason that they “saw it on Pinterest” and it’s blatant plagiarism to be copying the exact image, but from the … [Read more...] about You Don’t Have To
