What was one of the biggest challenges faced by early photographers?

One of the biggest challenges faced by early photographers was indeed figuring out how to make the captured image permanent. In the early days of photography, processes such as the daguerreotype and calotype were introduced, but these methods involved complex chemical reactions and required careful handling to ensure that the images did not fade or deteriorate over time.

Unlike modern digital photography, where images can be easily saved, stored, and reproduced, early photographers had to deal with the limitations of their materials, which could be sensitive to light, moisture, and other environmental factors. Ensuring that an image remained intact and did not lose detail was crucial for the success and acceptance of the art form. Once the image was captured on the photographic plate, the process of developing it was critical and complicated, requiring precise timing and knowledge of the chemicals involved. This challenge of permanence was a significant hurdle that early photographers had to overcome to establish photography as a viable medium for art and documentation.