First Photo

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Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, believed taken c. 1826.  8 hour exposure.  Le Gras, Burgundy.
Bitumen of Judea on Pewter exposed in a camera obscura.  Also known as Syrian asphalt, it hardens when exposed to light and the unexposed part is washed away with a solvent.


A modern enhancement.  The original pewter plate is in the Harry Ransom center in Austin, Texas, at UT.


The same room today.




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