We are currently in a global pandemic, which has halted the production of our print publication. One of our favorite types of photography is a daguerreotype. The process and unique outcome have always been fascinating with how haunting they many times are.
If you are unfamiliar with this process, it was invented in Paris by Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre in 1839. It became a popular method touted as capturing a “truthful likeness.”
By 1850, there were over 70 daguerreotype studios in New York City alone. However, popularity quickly declined after the introduction of ambrotype, a faster and less expensive photographic process.
“The Daguerreotype Medium,” Lib. of Cong, n.d., accessed April 16, 2020,
https://www.loc.gov/collections/daguerreotypes/articles-and-essays/the-daguerreotype-medium/.
Below is a collection of 9 captivating daguerreotypes courtesy of The Library of Congress. We hope they may inspire you to find the energy to create during this trying time!
Brady, Mathew B. “[Roger S. Baldwin, three-quarter length portrait, facing slightly left.]” Mathew Brady’s studio, [between 1844 and 1860]. From Library of Congress: Daguerreotype collection. Daguerreotype. https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/dag/item/2004663868/ (accessed April 16, 2020).
https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/dag/item/2004664157/ (accessed April 16, 2020).
https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/dag/item/2004664102/ (accessed April 16, 2020).
https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/dag/item/2004663865/ (accessed April 16, 2020).
https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/dag/item/2004664044/ (accessed April 16, 2020).
https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/dag/item/2004664144/ (accessed April 16, 2020).
https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/dag/item/2004664156/ (accessed April 16, 2020).
https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/dag/item/2004663879/ (accessed April 16, 2020).
