What is the significance of the daguerreotype in photography history?
Frequently Asked Question about the extinct profession: Daguerreotypist
The daguerreotype, introduced in 1839 by Louis Daguerre, was the first practical photographic process, marking a pivotal moment in photography history. It allowed for detailed, permanent images on polished metal plates, revolutionizing visual documentation. This innovation laid the groundwork for future photographic techniques, influencing art, journalism, and personal portraiture, and establishing photography as a legitimate medium.