Civil War photography

Civil War photography captures the images and moments of the American Civil War (1861–1865), providing a visual record of the conflict. Photographers used early cameras and processes like tintypes and albumen prints to document soldiers, battles, landscapes, and daily life. These photos offered unprecedented realism, shaping public perception and historical understanding of the war. Due to technical limitations, images are often black-and-white, with long exposure times requiring subjects to remain still. Civil War photography remains invaluable for its documentary and educational value, offering a stark, authentic glimpse into one of America's most pivotal periods.