History of Underwater Photography

1800's
1856
the Englishman William Thompson makes a picture in six meters depth
1856
the German Wilhelm Bauer makes several photos from a submarines. (Russia)
1869
a photo in "20 000 miles under the sea " by Jules Verne.
1871
the Italian Josellis makes experiments with an underwater-bell.
1873
the Swiss F.A. Forel tries to examine the penetration depth of the daily light in the water, by immersing sensitized protein paper with silver nitrate in the Geneva lake.
1881
the Swiss Asper makes experiments with Forel in the Zürcher and Wallenstadter lake, with immersed Gelatin-Brom- Silverdisks.
1888
the Frenchman Paul Regnard presents a photometer and a device, "which enables to photographe the sea-bottom".
1893
publication of the first photos of the Frenchman Louis Boutanund Joseph David, the oldest known underwater photos.
1896
the second camera of Louis Boutan and Joseph David; Boutan wants to make an "underwater-photo-panorama" during the world-exhibition in Paris in 1900.
1898
report of the third apparatus of Louis Boutan and Joseph David and publication of the first underwater-snapshots
1898
in USA C.F. Bristol and Dr. Romborsts use waterproof housings.
1899
L. Boutan takes pictures in a depth of 50 m in the night with artifical light.
1900's
1900
description and patent of the "Stereo-camera" of Louis Walkins.
1914
John Ernest Williamson shoots first ever underwater motion picture.
1923
W.H. Longley and Charles Martin take first Color underwater photograph with a magnesium powered flash.
1946
Dunutru Rebikoff developed the first portable strobes.
1957
Calypso Photo camera designed by Jean De Wouters, promoted by Jacques-Yves Cousteau. It was released in Australia in 1963.
1963
Calypso reintroduced as Nikonos.
1989
SEACAM founded and offered housing for Canon, Minolta, Nikon.
2000's
2001
Aquatic cameras and equipment highly available for average consumer.

References:

Unterwasserfoto (2008). Retrieved September 25, 2009, Website: http://www.unterwasserfoto.com/geschichte_uw/1856_1900_e.htm#oben

Underwater photography timeline. Retrieved September 20, 2009 from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_photography

The underwater world, whether saltwater or fresh is an incredible place to visit, but as we forge deeper into the twenty first century we face an enormous task. Everything from the tiniest plankton and fresh water crawfish to the gigantic whales that inhabit the oceans are in trouble. Here at A COTTON PHOTO Creative Works LLC we believe strongly in taking personal responsibility to ensure these animals and their habitats will not only survive, but thrive for generations to come. Education and involvement are vital to the conservation movement to protect our underwater world. Please join us in these efforts!

Five easy ways to start today...

  • Help clean up your local beach or lake
  • Join conservation organizations
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"With Appreciation Comes Conservation."