Photography is the
process of making pictures by means of the action of light (3). Photography is also a form of communication and because of this its place within the ICT Kultur is paramount. Photography was
invented in 1826 by the French inventor Nicéphore Niépce (3).The fundamental elements
of photography are: the photographic frame and its borders; quality of focus as
determined by the aperture or lens; shutter speeds and their effects in relation
to time and motion; and the physical media used to create the aggregate image (2).
It is legitimate to believe that photography as a science and arts has greatly
contributed in developing the “ICT Kultur”. In fact, it is through the images
or photos (still or in motion) that photography has produced that the ICT
Kultur has spread as an idea so rapidly via
the technological processes it has itself harboured. The rapid spread of
information would not have been as important as it is if it were not the
presence of motion pictures and still pictures. From the visual devices (camera) to the audio-visual devices (video camera) to the multimedia devices (computers) photography has a clear print. Indeed, photography can be considered
a precursor of the ICT kultur/Culture.
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| Photography is a form of communication and thus its place in the ICT Kulture is very important Photo Didier De Masso |
In Cameroon, it is difficult to trace with precision the
history of the practice of photography. However, there are reasons to think
that photography entered with colonialism. This was marked by the arrival of missionaries,
colonial masters, and rare foreign photographers who practiced the profession
and arts. Generally, the purpose of their practice was to document their passage
through “Africa in miniature”. The practice and use of photographic devices gradually
spread with the arrival of the television in the early 70’s. Studio photography
was mainly practiced by Cameroonian photographers and mainly to take black and
white identity photo cards (1). Access to photographic devices was not just
costly but specific to a category of persons; mainly photographers who worked
either individually in their studio photos or for newspapers agencies. The
information age concomitantly also hastened the democratisation of photographic
devices. Press photographers in Cameroon during the 1970’s had been given a
place in the government. They covered the political and sociocultural life of
the state. His Excellency President Paul Biya’s very famous photo was taken by
such a photographer.
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| Art work by Didier De Masso title the summit during the NPD depicting President's Biya very fmous Photo. |
Even if the profession
of photography is recognized in Cameroon (4), it has always been underlooked
and photographers have been marginalized. The 4th of November 2015 at the Congress
Hall in Yaoundé is a historical date in the history of photography in Cameroon.
In fact, the first ever National Photography Days (NPD) organised by the cameroonian league of photographers was launched under the
esteemed aegis of his Excellency the president of the republic of Cameroon, Mr
Paul Biya under the theme “Images and Development”. The presence of ICT and
Kulture at this historical event from the 3rd to the 7th of
November was important to witness how photographers are evolving and how they
are considering their profession today. Moreover, ICT and Kulture has been greatly
nourished by the practice of the photographic art.It was thus very important to share with other colleagues.
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| women has always played a very important role in the arts and photography. Photographer Stefano from Italy during a workshop during the NPD 2015. Photo Didier De Masso |
The event welcomed some 400 photographers from all the 10
regions of Cameroun. Cameroun is a multicultural country. This cultural diversity
with respect to the photographic practice 50 years since its inception is in
itself a real asset for the history of Cameroon and Cameroon’s development (1).
Moreover, it is a sign that the ICT Kultur is spreading very fast for the
history of Cameroon cannot be totally written without the history of
photography in Cameroon. The aim of the days were in fact to enable the
profession of photography to become an important element in the development of
Cameroon. This strong will of Mr Paul Biya is significant because it puts to
light the role that photography and photographers will now hence have in the
construction of Cameroon’s presence within the information age on the one hand
and constructing the collective memory of Cameroon on the other hand. We are
happy to have been part of this NPD’s and we know the ICT Kulture is spreading
and spreading fast.
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| Mr Isssa Tchiroma Bakary Minister of Communication during the closing ceremony of the NPD ; Photography is a form of (visual) communication. Photo Didier De Masso |
References
2) Angela Faris Belt (2008). The Elements of
Photography Understanding and Creating Sophisticated Images
1) Zeitlyn, D. (n.d). Archiving a Cameroonian photographic studio
3) Robinson , L. (2007).Art of professional
photography.Global Media
4) INS (2013).
Nomenclature Camerounaise des Metiers , Emplois et Professions
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