Picturing Colonial Africa

Although camera photography began in the 1820s, the photographic process and equipment used to take photos improved vastly throughout the 19th century.

In contrast to other artistic forms, such as painting or drawing, photography has the benefit of producing more detailed and life-like images.

Here, we see English scientist and pioneering photographer Henry Fox Talbot at work (far right).

In this activity, you will examine primary source photographs to learn about imperialism around the world.