Photography Courses at Visualdo Institute Nairobi

Introduction to Photography – Course Notes

1. Definition of Photography

Photography is the art, science, and practice of creating images by recording light using a camera. The word “Photography” comes from the Greek words “photos” (light) and “graphé” (drawing), meaning “drawing with light.”

It involves capturing moments, emotions, and ideas visually, using light-sensitive devices — traditionally film, and now mostly digital sensors.

2. Purpose of Photography

• To document events and memories.
• To communicate ideas and emotions visually.
• To express creativity through art and storytelling.
• To inform and educate in journalism, advertising, and media.
• To preserve history and culture for future generations.

3. History of Photography

a. Early Concepts (Before 1800s)
The foundation of photography began with the Camera Obscura, a dark box that projected an image of the outside world through a small hole.
Although it could not record images, it helped artists trace accurate scenes and led to the invention of photographic cameras.

b. The Birth of Photography (1820s–1830s)
In 1826, Joseph Nicéphore Niépce created the first permanent photograph called “View from the Window at Le Gras.” He used a process called heliography on a metal plate coated with bitumen.
Louis Daguerre later improved Niépce’s method and invented the Daguerreotype in 1839, the first practical photographic process.
Around the same time, William Henry Fox Talbot developed the Calotype process using paper negatives, allowing multiple copies of an image to be printed — a key step toward modern photography.

c. Photography in the 19th and 20th Centuries
The wet collodion process (1851) made photography faster and clearer.
By the late 1800s, George Eastman introduced Kodak cameras, making photography accessible to the public with roll film.
In the 20th century, photography evolved from black and white to color film, and became a powerful medium for journalism, advertising, and art.

d. The Digital Era (21st Century)
The 1990s introduced digital cameras, replacing film with electronic image sensors (CCD/CMOS).
Modern photography now includes smartphones, drones, and mirrorless cameras, making image creation faster and more accessible.
Digital tools like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom revolutionized photo editing and post-production.

4. Types of Photography

• Portrait Photography
• Landscape Photography
• Event and Wedding Photography
• Fashion Photography
• Wildlife Photography
• Product and Commercial Photography
• Photojournalism
• Fine Art Photography

5. Importance of Photography

• Enhances visual communication and storytelling.
• Supports creative industries like media, marketing, and design.
• Serves as a tool for education, research, and documentation.
• Creates employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
• Preserves cultural and personal memories through visual records.

6. Summary

Photography has evolved from simple light projections in the 16th century to high-tech digital imaging today. It combines artistic vision and technical skill — making it one of the most dynamic and expressive forms of communication.

At Visualdo Institute Nairobi, learners are introduced to both the history and fundamentals of photography, gaining a strong foundation to explore creative, professional, and modern applications in the field.

Conclusion

ENROLL FOR FULL COURSE.
Are you ready to become a professional photographer who can capture moments, tell stories, and create powerful visual art? Join Visualdo Institute Nairobi today and turn your passion for photography into a rewarding career. Learn how to use the camera creatively, master lighting and composition, and edit photos like a pro.

Start your photography journey now — ENROLL NOW!