History Of Photography Quiz
- 1.
The term "camera obscura" is Latin for:
- A.
Dark room
- B.
Old camera
- C.
Lighted room
- D.
Hidden light
Correct Answer
A. Dark roomExplanation
The term "camera obscura" is Latin for "dark room." This refers to a device used in the past to project an image onto a surface, similar to a modern camera. The term "dark room" accurately describes the nature of this device, as it required a darkened environment in order for the image to be properly seen.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
The development of Photography was created not by artists, but by:
- A.
Chemists
- B.
Machinists
- C.
Military engineers
- D.
Architects
Correct Answer
A. ChemistsExplanation
Chemists were responsible for the development of photography because they played a crucial role in understanding the chemical processes involved in capturing and developing images. They experimented with various chemicals and techniques to find the right combination that would produce a permanent image. Without their knowledge and expertise in chemistry, the invention and advancement of photography would not have been possible. Artists, machinists, military engineers, and architects may have contributed to the field in their own ways, but it was the chemists who laid the foundation for this revolutionary form of visual art.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
The first documented photograph (seen here) was taken around:
- A.
1826
- B.
1847
- C.
1855
- D.
1860
Correct Answer
A. 1826Explanation
The first documented photograph was taken around 1826. This answer is based on the information provided in the question, which states that the first documented photograph is seen in the given image. Since the options provided are years, 1826 is the only year that falls within the given time frame.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
How long was the exposure to light in one of the first documented photos (seen above)?
- A.
About 8 minutes
- B.
About 3 hours
- C.
About 8 hours
- D.
About 5 hours
Correct Answer
C. About 8 hoursExplanation
One of the first documented photos required a long exposure time due to the limitations of early photography technology. The answer of about 8 hours suggests that the exposure to light needed to be sustained for a significant period to capture the image. This extended exposure time was necessary to allow enough light to reach the photographic plate and create a visible image.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
In this 1838 photo of a Parisian street, no people were in the photo because:
- A.
The shutter was open for 10 minutes, and everyone was moving too fast.
- B.
The original was too dark, but when it was later lightened digitally, the figures didn't transfer.
- C.
The photographer requested that the street be closed so he could get the best photo possible.
- D.
The 1837 outbreak of Cholera forced people to stay in their homes.
Correct Answer
A. The shutter was open for 10 minutes, and everyone was moving too fast.Explanation
The correct answer is that the shutter was open for 10 minutes, and everyone was moving too fast. When the shutter of a camera is open for a long period of time, any moving objects will appear as blurry streaks or may not be captured at all. In this case, since the shutter was open for 10 minutes, any people moving on the street would not have been captured clearly or may have completely disappeared from the photo.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
What is a "Brownie"?
- A.
The first inexpensive camera sold to the public.
- B.
Slang term for the assistant who held the flash in early photography.
- C.
A small brown box used to hold light-sensitive plates.
- D.
The sponge used to wipe the chemicals from a Daguerrotype plate.
Correct Answer
A. The first inexpensive camera sold to the public.Explanation
A "Brownie" refers to the first inexpensive camera sold to the public. This suggests that the Brownie was a pioneering camera that made photography more accessible and affordable for the general public. The other options, such as a slang term for an assistant or a box used to hold light-sensitive plates, do not align with the historical context of the Brownie camera.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
The Frenchman Louis Daguerre (known for the Daguerreotype) influenced photography by:
- A.
Creating a more sensitive silver-based plate, reducing the exposure time from hours to just a few minutes.
- B.
Creating a glass sheet 'negative' that could produce multiple prints of one image.
- C.
Developed a camera that was portable and easy for people to carry.
- D.
Creating a flash for the camera, so portraits could be shot indoors.
Correct Answer
A. Creating a more sensitive silver-based plate, reducing the exposure time from hours to just a few minutes.Explanation
Louis Daguerre influenced photography by creating a more sensitive silver-based plate, which significantly reduced the exposure time from hours to just a few minutes. This advancement allowed photographers to capture images more quickly and accurately, revolutionizing the field of photography.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
What was special about the POLAROID camera?
- A.
The camera's film contained chemicals to immediately process the picture, making images instant.
- B.
It was the first camera to be able to hold 24 photos instead of just one.
- C.
The camera was the first to have a built-in flash, allowing people to take it anywhere.
- D.
It was the first disposable camera.
Correct Answer
A. The camera's film contained chemicals to immediately process the picture, making images instant.Explanation
The POLAROID camera was special because its film contained chemicals that could immediately process the picture, resulting in instant images. This feature eliminated the need for external processing or waiting time, allowing users to see their photos immediately after taking them.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
What made the photos by James Van Der Zee special?
- A.
He was the first landscape photographer to journey out to the American West.
- B.
He depicted life of middle and upper-class African Americans in a lifestyle very similar to white people.
- C.
He was the first to photograph Abraham Lincoln, General Grant and the Union army.
- D.
He showed a side to war that few people had ever experienced.
Correct Answer
B. He depicted life of middle and upper-class African Americans in a lifestyle very similar to white people.Explanation
James Van Der Zee's photos were special because he portrayed the lives of middle and upper-class African Americans in a lifestyle that was similar to that of white people. His photographs challenged stereotypes and showcased the achievements and aspirations of African Americans during a time when they were often marginalized and misrepresented in mainstream media. Van Der Zee's work celebrated African American culture and provided a more accurate and positive representation of the community.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
Dorothea Lange (pictured here) made her mark in Photography History by shooting photos of:
- A.
Migrant workers during the Great Depression.
- B.
The American West landscape.
- C.
Children in poor living conditions in the cities.
- D.
Women in occupations outside of the home.
Correct Answer
A. Migrant workers during the Great Depression.Explanation
Dorothea Lange made her mark in Photography History by shooting photos of migrant workers during the Great Depression. This is evident from her iconic photographs such as "Migrant Mother" which captured the hardships and struggles faced by migrant workers and their families during that time. Lange's powerful images brought attention to the plight of these workers and played a significant role in raising awareness and advocating for social change.Rate this question:
-
- 11.
To this day, why do many crime scene experts prefer FILM-BASED instant cameras instead of the high-resolution digital cameras?
- A.
Film-based cameras are easier to operate under low-light conditions.
- B.
Digital images are way too easy to edit, and may not be considered valid evidence in court.
- C.
Film cameras are much cheaper, so every investigator can have one available.
- D.
Prosecutors are afraid that digital images will be shared on social networks before the trials.
Correct Answer
B. Digital images are way too easy to edit, and may not be considered valid evidence in court.Explanation
Many crime scene experts prefer film-based instant cameras instead of high-resolution digital cameras because digital images are easy to edit and may not be considered valid evidence in court. This is because digital images can be altered or manipulated using various software, making it difficult to determine their authenticity. In contrast, film-based cameras produce physical negatives that are harder to alter, providing a higher level of credibility and reliability as evidence in legal proceedings.Rate this question:
-
- 12.
What made the photos by Matthew Brady's studio special?
- A.
He was the first landscape photographer to journey out to the American West.
- B.
He depicted life of Native Americans that very few people had ever seen.
- C.
He was the first to photograph the first five Presidents after 1840.
- D.
He showed a side to war that few people had ever experienced.
Correct Answer
D. He showed a side to war that few people had ever experienced.Explanation
Matthew Brady's studio photos were special because he showed a side to war that few people had ever experienced. This suggests that his photographs captured the reality and brutality of war, providing a unique perspective that was not commonly seen or understood by the general public.Rate this question:
-
.jpg "Dorothea Lange (pictured here) made her mark in Photography History by shooting photos of:")
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Aug 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Feb 03, 2014Quiz Created by
Eric Hammer
Back to top