Reading a Photograph

This video describes the history of photography from its humble origins to the amazing roles it plays today. In order to understand a given era in history, we often have to consult not just textual documents, but photographic evidence as well. Certain spans of history simply cannot be grasped without photography. The words war and famine alone do not communicate the vivid and indelible imagery that photographs transmit. The art of photography has acutely impacted nearly every area of our lives, from scientific disciplines to leisurely weekends with friends and family. Photography has brought us a long way.

Reading a Photograph from Seeking Michigan on Vimeo.

At the Archives of Michigan, we do our best to preserve an abundance of collective historical commentary by compiling as many photographs of the cities, streets, businesses, and people of Michigan as we are able.