In the beginning, photography was seen not as a fine art, but more as a tool.

However, in
1862, a group of artists vowed to protest against any comparison which might be made between
photography and art. Through the efforts of artists such as Julia Cameron, as well as many
others in the field, photography has progressed to be viewed as a medium of high art. This goal
was achieved through the perfecting of different styles and techniques to give the medium more
varying styles and the application of photography to award it deeper meaning through events
such as the feminist movement.
Photography was initially viewed simply as a tool, something that could be employed by
anyone. Because art was viewed as something solely for the educated, the idea that anyone could
use a camera and create a work of art was new. However, through the efforts of artists such as
Julia Cameron, the medium of photography has progressed. This can be attributed greatly to the
fact photography was developed far beyond simply taking pictures. Demonstrated in the smoky,
faded effect seen in Julia Camerons Ophelia, photography was advanced to differing styles and
effects. This advancement allowed for photographers to be granted more artistic freedom, giving
photography more of an artistic appeal.
With the progression of photography being seen as an art form, it also began to be
applied in many different ways, granting it even more prominence. Photographys popularity
grew when it was applied to the Feminist movement, showing the full extent of acceptance for
the art form. Cindy Shermans Untitled Movie Stills collection is a prominent example of
photography being applied for propaganda purposes. In this particular instance, Cindy Sherman
photographed herself recreating various scenes from popular movies and TV shows of the time
period, focusing on scenes that exemplified the ideas of the feminist movement, focusing on
women in their stereotypical roles as strictly home-makers, an outdated idea stemming from the
Cult of Domesticity. This use of photography illustrates the acceptance of the medium of art so
highly appreciated by other artists, such as Julia Cameron.
Initially viewed as a simple tool for anyones use, photography was advanced further as
an art medium through the application of different styles and techniques, as well as the use of
photography in things such as the feminist movement to give it deeper meaning.