Mathew Brady was one of the most celebrated American photographers of the late 19th century, known for his work in photojournalism and documenting the Civil War. He took many portrait photos of famous soldiers and President Lincoln. Brady had permission to take photos at the front lines of the Civil War, organizing a team of photographers to capture soldiers and moments in detail despite the limitations of black and white photography. His portraits were traditionally composed with the subject in the center against a plain background to highlight their importance.

1. Unit 57: Photography and
Photographic Practice
Research of other
photographers work

2. Mathew Brady
Mathew Brady was born in 1822
and is one of the most celebrated
photographers of the late 19th
century. He was well known for his
work in photo journalism. He also
documented a lot of the American
Civil war. Brady took many portrait
photos of famous soldiers and
even to photos of President
Lincoln.

3. Examples of photographs

4. Brady’s photograph of Abraham
Lincoln and the Civil War
Brady had took many photos of
the president at the time,
Abraham Lincoln. He even had
the honour to take various photos
of him before and after a few of
his speeches.
Matthew Brady also had
permission to take photos at the
front lines of the American Civil
War.

5. Composition
Matthew Brady’s portrait photos are very traditional and
often served a purpose. The subjects in his photos are found
in front of a plain background which high-lights the person in
the photo. The people in the photos are often seen looking
away from the camera to make it seem as if it was natural
and not set up. The subject is always in the middle of photo to
express their importance.

6. Techniques Matthew Brady used
During the Civil War
Matthew Brady organised
a team of professional
photographers to go to the
front line. They were able
to capture soldiers in the
moment. Despite the act
that coloured cameras
were not invented he was
able to capture photos in
full detail that tell a story.

7. Strengths & Weaknesses of
Matthew Brady’s Photos
Brady was able to capture detailed photos that tell a
story about American history. You can rarely ever fault
his photography work, as even today his work is being
sold for thousands of dollars.