Say Cheese!

Did you know that 'photography' literally means 'drawing of the light'?  That said, why not cast some light on the history of photography itself?  Especially through the lens (I know, I know, bad pun) of the role of women both as the subject, and creator, of photographs.

Long before the age of selfies and filters, photography still fascinated men and women alike for as long as it has been around.  Collectors and enthusiasts continue to be enthralled by the stories captured on film and the laborious process the taking and producing of photos once entailed.  It wasn't as easy as picking up your phone tapping a button.  Taking photos took a long time and involved a complicated series of steps.  The chemicals used could be dangerous and the equipment wasn't folded into everyday products like it is today.  What this means is that early photographers were dedicated to their craft in a way that perhaps we don't think as much about these days.  There weren't really casual photographers and even the hobbyists had a level of dedication that we don't really have to think about.  Photography is still absolutely an art form, but much has changed and some of those changes might lead us to forget - or not even know - the history of how we got here when it comes to capturing moments in time.

From carte de visites (CDVs) and daguerreotypes to post-mortems and tintypes, the story of photography is as varied and fascinating as the story of humankind itself.  And through it all, women were there.  Not just the subject of angelic poses, tasteful nudes, or severe depictions of propriety, but as the photographers themselves.  The story of women in photography is the story of history itself, of storytelling through image, the story of art, and the story of the struggle of women to be recognized as equals.  Come hear part of that story with Josh Heller, Professor of Sociology. 

This one is in person because there are going to be actual vintage photos to look at and that is super hard to do with the remote option.  I hope to see you there:  THIS FRIDAY at 12:00 in room 1480.  It's worth an hour.  Trust me.

And PLEASE don't forget that we have the HONORS DINNER on 10/25 from 4:00 - 6:00 in Stage 14.  The T-shirts are in and look AMAZING.  The giveaways are here and they are super fun.  The pasta bar is ordered and the room is reserved.  All we need is YOU!