Yes, they had photography during the Civil War.
But it wasn't very advanced. As in, it required subjects to hold very, very, very still.
Which is why most Civil War photographs were of dead soldiers.
For "live action," drawing was a better medium. And
Reed College is currently displaying some amazing examples from the Becker Collection. I was delighted to give a talk there on Wednesday. Especially because I taught at Reed from 2000-2003.
It was like hearing a Battle Hymn of the Republic/Welcome Back Kotter Theme Song medley, playing along with my PPT.
More pix are on
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