The iNaturalist project "First Known Photographs of Living Specimens" aims to document the earliest known photographs of organisms in their natural state. It seeks to compile a collection of verifiable images, ideally the very first, depicting various species as they appeared in life, rather than as preserved specimens or illustrations. This project prioritizes photographs taken before 1900, especially from the early days of photography, offering a glimpse into the historical record of biodiversity and the development of nature photography. Contributions require evidence supporting the claimed date and identification of the organism, ideally with links to primary sources.
This iNaturalist project, ambitiously titled "First Known Photographs of Living Specimens," embarks upon a fascinating, albeit challenging, endeavor: to meticulously document and curate a collection of the earliest known photographic depictions of extant organisms. It seeks to establish a visual record of the pioneering moments when photography and the study of living things intersected, offering a glimpse into the nascent days of both fields. The project encompasses a wide taxonomic breadth, aspiring to include representatives from across the spectrum of life, from microscopic bacteria and vibrant fungi to towering trees and complex vertebrates. The criteria for inclusion are rigorously defined: each photograph must demonstrably be the earliest known surviving image capturing a living individual of a particular species, subspecies, variety, or form. This necessitates not only the identification of the organism with precision but also extensive research to confirm the photograph's historical precedence. Given the inherent complexities of historical research and the vastness of the biological world, the project acknowledges its ongoing and evolving nature. It serves as a dynamic repository, perpetually open to additions and revisions as new photographic discoveries emerge and scholarly investigations refine our understanding of photographic history. The project's ultimate aim is not merely to assemble a collection of intriguing images, but to provide a valuable resource for researchers, naturalists, and anyone interested in the intersection of photography, history, and the natural world. It offers a unique perspective on the evolution of our visual understanding of life on Earth, illustrating the evolving capabilities of photographic technology and the enduring human fascination with documenting the diversity of the biosphere.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43428409
HN users generally found the iNaturalist project documenting first known photographs of species fascinating. Several commenters highlighted the surprisingly recent dates for some common species, like the European hedgehog in 1932. Discussion arose around the challenges of verification and the definition of a "good" photograph, with some suggesting the inclusion of museum specimens as a valuable addition. Others pointed out potential biases in the dataset, such as a focus on charismatic megafauna or limitations based on photographic technology availability and adoption across regions. The project's value in demonstrating biodiversity loss and changing species distributions was also acknowledged.
The Hacker News post titled "First Known Photographs of Living Specimens" linking to an iNaturalist project, sparked a modest discussion with a few interesting points. Several commenters expressed general appreciation for the project and its historical significance.
One commenter highlighted the fascinating intersection of photography's early days and the documentation of the natural world. They pointed out the remarkable patience required for these early exposures, considering the long exposure times needed with early photographic techniques, especially when photographing living subjects. This highlighted the dedication and ingenuity involved in capturing these images.
Another commenter picked up on this theme, expressing awe at the thought of these early photographers managing to capture these images at all, given the technological limitations. They considered it a "minor miracle" that such photos exist, emphasizing how difficult it must have been compared to modern photography.
A separate comment focused on the technical aspects of early photography, specifically mentioning the daguerreotype process and the challenges of capturing moving subjects. They noted the rarity of living subjects in early photographs, which adds to the project's value in showcasing these rare examples. This commenter also linked to an earlier Hacker News discussion about the earliest known photograph of a person, further enriching the context of the original post.
The discussion also briefly touched on the definition of "living specimens," with one commenter suggesting potential additions to the project featuring plant life. This comment sparked a reply questioning the inclusion of plants, potentially based on a narrower interpretation of "specimen." This exchange, while brief, raised an interesting point about the scope and interpretation of the project's focus.
Finally, a commenter mentioned the project's reliance on the "first known" qualifier, acknowledging the possibility of undiscovered or misidentified earlier photographs. This points to the evolving nature of historical research and the potential for future discoveries to reshape our understanding of early photography and its subjects.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News reflect a general appreciation for the iNaturalist project, highlighting the historical and technical significance of these early photographs. The discussion revolves around the challenges of early photography, the rarity of capturing living subjects, and the ever-present possibility of new discoveries. While not a lengthy discussion, the comments provide valuable insights and context to the linked project.