Earliest Surviving Japanese Photograph (Daguerrotype)

The daguerrotype is the earliest publicly available photographic process. It was invented by Lois Daguerre and Joseph Nicéphore Niépce. Daguerrotypes were captured on sheets of glass which resembled todays photo paper, as it was coated with silver. This form of photography became popular in America during the 1840s. Daguerrotypes replaced the antiquated form of photography, similar to the modern pinhole, invented by Nicéphore Niépce. 

Hypaethral Temple Philae (Albumen Print)

Albumen printing was the first comercial method for creating a print from a negative. The albumen process was unique because it used egg white as a major ingredient. This natural additive sealed the fibers of the paper. Invented in 1850, it remained popular until the beginning of the 20th century.

Sterograph as an Educator (Stereograph)

A sterographic print is an when two images are printed side by side. The print slips into a viewer which forces the viewer to cross their eyes, creating a false sense of depth of field. The process' popularity died out before the start of the 20th century, but the concept is still used today.

Prince Albert (Carte de Viste)

Carte de Viste is a type of miniature photograph made popular in France. Small albumen prints about the side of a "Visiting Card" (Carte de Viste, or a modern business card) saw an explosion of popularity as they were traded and exchanged at social events.

Mathew Brady

Abraham Lincoln

Robert E. Lee

Mathew Brady is a very influential photographer who died in relative obscurity. As a young man he undertook the enormous challenge of documenting the civil war. Many consider hi the father of photojournalism. During the civil war, Brady spent $100,000 buying photographic plates. He expected the US Government to purchase his photos from him, they didn't, and he died in debt.

Alexander Gardner

Alexander Gardner was a popular photographer during the turn of the century. He is popular for his photographs of Abraham Lincoln (here and here) and his portraits of the Lincoln Assassination Conspirators (here and here and here)