Looking at photographs: a guide to technical terms

Abstract

This reference guide contains an informative history of photography, with explanations of the technical terms often encountered by gallery patrons and those taking an interest in the background to photographic excellence for the first time. What is a contact print? What is a pinhole camera? What is the difference between a daguerreotype and a tintype, or between a gelatin silver print and a halftone? This work offers definitions and explanations of the techniques, processes and materials used in the making of photographs from the 1830s to the present. Its illustrations are mostly taken from the holdings of the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.