What Makes a Photograph, a Photograph?

Photograph: A camera image recorded by action of light onto a light-sensitive material…

Most objects labeled as photographs in the Spencer Museum of Art Collection share at least one of two traits: an image was formed using a camera (or camera obscura), and/or, the action of light was visibly recorded onto light- or radiation-sensitive materials.

Photography and the resulting photographs have existed for nearly 200 years. During that time, the process has taken a multitude of forms through the continual development and evolution of equipment and materials. We know from everyday experience that the process of “taking” and “making” photographs has changed considerably in the last five, 10 or 15 years, and it will continue to change in both foreseeable and unforeseeable ways. Nonetheless, we think we know what a photograph looks like, and we can’t imagine a world without a use for these images.

When looking at the following images, how does each confirm or support your understanding of “what a ‘photograph’ is”? Do any of these images, or objects, challenge your understanding of Photography or a photograph?