The first permanent photograph was taken by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1826 using a pewter plate coated with bitumen.

The Daguerreotype, invented by Louis Daguerre, was the first commercially successful camera, introduced in 1839.

The Calotype, invented by William Henry Fox Talbot, used a paper negative to produce positive prints, making it more versatile and accessible than the Daguerreotype.

In the 19th century, photography was primarily used for portraiture, capturing images of individuals and families.

Matthew Brady is renowned for his photographs documenting the American Civil War, capturing the horrors and realities of the conflict.

The introduction of the Kodak camera in 1888 made photography more accessible and user-friendly, allowing everyday people to capture and share their own images.

Man Ray, a prominent surrealist photographer, is known for his experimental and dreamlike images, often incorporating collage and photomontage techniques.

The FSA photography project, led by Roy Stryker, aimed to document the hardships faced by farmers during the Great Depression, capturing powerful images that raised awareness and influenced policy decisions.

Dorothea Lange, a prominent documentary photographer, is renowned for her 'Migrant Mother' photograph, which captured the plight of migrant workers during the Great Depression.

The Vietnam War had a profound impact on photojournalism, leading to increased censorship, ethical debates, and anti-war protests fueled by powerful images captured by war photographers.

William Anders, an astronaut on the Apollo 8 mission, took the iconic 'Earthrise' photograph, capturing the Earth rising above the lunar horizon.

The 'Family of Man' exhibition, curated by Edward Steichen, brought together the work of over 200 photographers from around the world, promoting the idea of a shared human experience and raising funds for humanitarian causes.

Ansel Adams is renowned for his black-and-white photographs of the American West, capturing the grandeur of the natural landscapes and promoting environmental conservation.

The digital revolution, with the advent of digital cameras and editing software, led to a significant decline in the use of film photography, as digital photography became more accessible and user-friendly.

Andreas Gursky is a contemporary photographer known for his large-format color photographs of landscapes, often capturing vast urban and natural scenes.