Consider what you have learned about early camera equipment. Which statement BEST explains why Robert Fenton took pictures of the field after battle?

(1 point)
Responses

Early cameras could only capture very still scenes.
Early cameras could only capture very still scenes.

The earliest cameras took only black and white photographs.
The earliest cameras took only black and white photographs.

Photography was still new, so the uses of photography were not clear.
Photography was still new, so the uses of photography were not clear.

Robert Fenton was inspired by Civil War photographer Matthew Brady.

Photography was still new, so the uses of photography were not clear.

The statement that BEST explains why Robert Fenton took pictures of the field after the battle is: Photography was still new, so the uses of photography were not clear.

To determine the best explanation for why Robert Fenton took pictures of the field after battle, we need to consider what we have learned about early camera equipment. Here's how we can approach it:

1. Early cameras could only capture very still scenes: This statement implies that early cameras were not capable of capturing action or movement in photographs. However, taking pictures of a field after the battle doesn't necessarily require capturing action or movement. So, while this statement might be an accurate characteristic of early cameras, it doesn't directly explain why Fenton took pictures of the field after the battle.

2. The earliest cameras took only black and white photographs: This statement highlights a limitation of early cameras, which were only capable of producing black and white photographs. This limitation might have influenced Fenton's decision to capture the field after battle because black and white photography was well-suited for capturing landscapes and objects in a more artistic or dramatic manner. Therefore, this statement could partially explain why Fenton took such pictures.

3. Photography was still new, so the uses of photography were not clear: This statement acknowledges that photography was a relatively new technology during Fenton's time. As a result, the potential applications and uses of photography might not have been fully established or understood. This lack of clarity might have inspired Fenton to experiment and explore different subjects and perspectives, such as documenting the aftermath of a battle. So, this statement could also explain why Fenton took pictures of the field after the battle.

4. Robert Fenton was inspired by Civil War photographer Matthew Brady: This statement suggests that Fenton, an early photographer, was influenced by the work of Matthew Brady, a well-known photographer during the Civil War period. If Brady's work involved capturing scenes after battles or documenting war-related events, Fenton might have been motivated to do the same. Therefore, this statement could be a valid explanation for Fenton's decision.

Among these options, the statement that best explains why Robert Fenton took pictures of the field after battle would likely be: Robert Fenton was inspired by Civil War photographer Matthew Brady.