The photographic object: A permanent invention

Today, the technical possibilities of photography have become extremely diverse. Traditional processes, often little understood even today, are being replaced by digital or hybrid technologies that are sometimes hard for the general public to grasp. With today's photography rediscovering alternative traditional techniques, it is vital to analyse the technical knowledge that helps us to understand the exact nature of photographic works, both past and present. This exhibition at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris looks at photographic devices (pinhole cameras, lenses, etc) and the processes that are used to produce or modify photographs: (direct positives, negatives, printing, etc), all of which make up the material history of photography. After visiting this exhibition, which creates a dialogue between vintage and contemporary images and which spotlights the photographer's studio, visitors will be in no doubt that every "photographic object" is truly unique.

Hours: daily from 11 am to 8 pm
Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Admission: general 6,50 €; concessions: 3,50 € 
Free entrance on Wednesday from 5 pm to 8 pm

Image: © Musée Carnavalet / Roger-Viollet