The evolution of photography has been a fascinating journey. Its early stages were marked by the contributions of numerous remarkable women. 

From scientists and inventors to photographers and artists. These visionary women played pivotal roles in worldwide photography processes. This included the development, discoveries, and improvements of chemical photography. 

This article highlights the ten most important women who made indelible contributions to the early days of photography.

Cover Photo : The New York Public Library

Elizabeth Fulhame (1778-1803) - Chemical Catalyst - England

Elizabeth Fulhame, an English chemist, made significant contributions to chemical photography. She did this by discovering the catalytic properties of various metals. Her work with platinum led to advancements in platinum printing. This became a popular photographic technique at the end of the nineteenth century.

Portrait of Elizabeth Fulhame

Anna Atkins (1799-1871) - Botanical Pioneer - England

Anna Atkins, an English botanist, and photographer, is widely regarded as the first female photographer. She employed the cyanotype process to create her striking "Photographs of British Algae." This made her a pioneer of scientific photography.

Portrait of Anna Atkins, albumen print - 1861

Marie Louis Braun (1812-1877) - Studio Photographer - France

Adolphe Braun was a French photographer and entrepreneur. He founded one of the most successful photography studios of the era. Here, both Adolphe and Marie used collodion chemicl photography in an attempt to replicate floral patterns. His wife, Clémence, played an instrumental role in managing the business. Her focus contributed to its widespread recognition.

Bertha Wehnert-Beckmann (1815-1901) - Albumen Printing Pioneer - Germany

Bertha Wehnert-Beckmann, a German photographer, played a crucial role in the popularization of albumen printing. She was among the first to apply this process to commercial photography. Her efforts paved the way for mass-produced prints.

Self-portrait of Bertha Wehnert-Beckmann

Julia Margaret Cameron (1815-1879) - Portrait Photographer - England

Julia Margaret Cameron is a renowned English photographer. She is known for her intimate and artistic portraits. Her innovative use of soft focus and dramatic lighting techniques helped shape the art of portrait photography.

Julia Margaret Cameron, by her son Henry Herschel Hay Cameron - 1870

Lady Clementina Hawarden (1822-1865) - Domestic Scenes - England

Lady Clementina Hawarden was an Irish-born photographer. She captured poignant and elegant domestic scenes during the mid-19th century. Her work reflected the Victorian era's aesthetics. Her use of natural light and soft focus added a distinctive touch to her compositions.

The Viscountess Hawarden and Donald Cameron, 24th Lochiel - 1861

Mathilde Weil (1872 -1942) - Portrait Photography - United States

Mathilde Weil was a German-born American portrait photographer known for her work in New Orleans. She established a successful photography studio in the city's French Quarter. Through this, she gained recognition for her artistic portraits of prominent individuals. Weil's photographs captured the city's diverse culture and vibrant atmosphere. Her work showcased a keen eye for composition and lighting, resulting in striking and evocative portraits.

Mathilde Weil as photographed by Eva Watson-Schütze

Helen Messinger Murdoch (1862-1956) - Photogravure Innovator – United States

Helen Messinger Murdoch, an American photographer, and inventor, developed the "Aquatone" process. These were used to create high-quality photogravure prints. Her contributions revolutionized the field of fine art reproduction.

Taj Mahal (1921) using Autochrome

Alice Austen (1866-1952) - Documentary Photographer - England

Alice Austen, an American photographer, documented the daily lives of ordinary people in New York City. Her focus was particularly on the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her extensive body of work provides a valuable historical record. The images she captured showcased the evolving cultural landscape of the time.

Street types of New York City - Emigrant and pretzel vendor

Final Word

The contributions of these ten remarkable women in the early days of chemical photography cannot be overstated. Their scientific breakthroughs, artistic vision, and technical innovations