Josiah Johnson Hawes Quotes
- Photographer
- 1808
Josiah Johnson Hawes (1808-1901) was an American photographer and inventor who is best known for his pioneering work in the field of photography. He is credited with inventing the first successful dry-plate process for producing photographic negatives. He also developed the first commercially succes…Read More
Josiah Johnson Hawes (1808-1901) was an American photographer and inventor who is best known for his pioneering work in the field of photography. He is credited with inventing the first successful dry-plate process for producing photographic negatives. He also developed the first commercially successful stereo camera and was the first to use a glass negative for a portrait. Hawes was a prolific photographer, producing thousands of images of Boston and its environs, as well as portraits of prominent figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He was a founding member of the Boston Camera Club and the Photographic Society of America.Read Less
Josiah Johnson Hawes (1808-1901) was an American photographer and inventor who is best known for his pioneering work in the field of photography. He is credited with inventing the first successful dry-plate process for producing photographic negatives. He also developed the first commercially successful stereo camera and was the first to use a glass negative for a portrait. Hawes was a prolific photographer, producing thousands of images of Boston and its environs, as well as portraits of prominent figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He was a founding member of the Boston Camera Club and the Photographic Society of America.
Career Highlights
- Hawes began his career as a portrait painter, but soon shifted his focus to photography after being introduced to the daguerreotype process in 1840.
- In 1843, he partnered with Albert Southworth to form the highly successful photography studio, Southworth & Hawes, in Boston, Massachusetts.
- The studio gained widespread recognition for its high-quality portraits, which were highly sought after by the elite of Boston society.
- Hawes and Southworth were also known for their experimentation and innovation in the field of photography, constantly pushing the boundaries of the daguerreotype process.
- In 1850, they were commissioned by Harvard University to create a series of daguerreotypes of the faculty and students, which is considered one of their most significant contributions to the field of photography.
- Hawes and Southworth’s work was highly influential and helped establish photography as a legitimate art form in America.
Key Contributions
- Hawes and Southworth’s partnership was crucial in the development and popularization of the daguerreotype process in America.
- They were among the first photographers to use artificial lighting in their portraits, which allowed for more control and consistency in their images.
- Their portraits were known for their technical excellence and attention to detail, setting a high standard for portrait photography in America.
- Hawes and Southworth’s work also had a significant impact on the development of documentary photography, as they captured images of everyday life and events in Boston.
- They also played a key role in the establishment of photography as a legitimate art form, paving the way for future photographers to be recognized as artists.
What Sets Them Apart
- Hawes and Southworth’s partnership was unique in that they both had different strengths and skills that complemented each other. Hawes was known for his technical expertise and attention to detail, while Southworth had a keen eye for composition and lighting.
- They were also known for their collaborative approach, often working together on each portrait to ensure the best possible result.
- Hawes and Southworth’s work stood out for its technical excellence and artistic merit, setting a high standard for portrait photography in America.
- Their experimentation and innovation in the daguerreotype process set them apart from other photographers of their time, constantly pushing the boundaries of what was possible in photography.
Takeaways
- Josiah Johnson Hawes was a highly influential and innovative photographer who played a crucial role in the development and popularization of the daguerreotype process in America.
- His partnership with Albert Southworth resulted in some of the most technically excellent and artistically significant portraits of the mid-19th century.
- Hawes and Southworth’s work had a lasting impact on the field of photography, paving the way for future photographers to be recognized as artists.
- Their collaborative and experimental approach, as well as their attention to detail and technical expertise, continue to inspire and influence photographers today.